Leftist UCLA law students disrupt, insult speaker from DHS hosted by Federalist Society

The UCLA chapter of the national conservative organization held the event, “Inside DHS: A conversation with DHS General Counsel James Percival,” where roughly 70 protesters attended the event, according to a report by the student newspaper, the Daily Bruin.

Protesters held signs with explicit messages and attempted to disrupt the proceedings with loud noises and sound effects. Signs read messages such as “F*ck you loser,” “Stop caging kids,” or “How’s Trump’s c**k taste.” After about 30 minutes, law professor Jon Michaels gave opening remarks and asked attendees to silence their phones, at which point some audience members continued making noise by tapping on desks and clicking pens.

Roughly 50 of the protesters walked out after the moderator said that only pre-screened questions would be asked. Outside the law school, about 150 demonstrators protested, with chants of “No ICE, No KKK, No Fascist USA.”

In a letter posted on its Instagram account last week, the Latine Law Students Association condemned Percival’s invitation.

“By giving Mr. Percival a platform, The Federalist Society and UCLA Law are legitimizing and normalizing racially discriminatory policies that are actively harming both UCLA students and our broader community,” the organization said.

The Federalist Society chapter defended the event in its own statement, saying it was intended to promote discussion and free speech.

“To those who disagree with Mr. Percival’s views, we extend a genuine invitation: come, ask your hardest questions, and make your case,” the statement read. “We invite all members of the UCLA Law community to attend, ask questions, and engage, with civility and respect.”