EL SEGUNDO - Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-Marina del Rey) made the following statement regarding actions taken against student demonstrators on University of California campuses:

"I am saddened by the events that have occurred on the campus of UC Davis and UC Berkeley. The excessive force and lack of judgment expressed by the campus police is deeply disturbing and raises many questions about the protocol at our institutions of higher learning and their criteria for handling peaceful student demonstrations. Our campuses have long been an epicenter for free speech and expression of opinion and we must protect this right for future generations of students. I support the efforts of Speaker John A. Perez and Assemblymember Marty Block to convene hearings to examine the use of force at the UC protests. I am committed to working hard to ensure our students can continue to pursue their education and express themselves without fear for their safety."

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Assemblymember Betsy Butler represents California's 53rd Assembly District, comprised of the communities of El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey and portions of the City of Los Angeles.

CONTACT: Jennifer Wonnacott, (310) 615-3515