My name is Kiên and I am the Unit Chair for our local union UAW 4811 at UC Irvine.

In June, the office of Orange County District Attorney announced that they are filing charges against 50 students, grad workers, and community members for their alleged involvement during the police raid on the University of California Irvine encampment on May 15.

The actions by the District Attorney and the administration of UC Irvine show the growing push to silence pro-Palestine activism.

We are opening this fundraiser to raise funds for the 11 members that were charged during the May 15 raid and for the other pro-Palestine activists at the UC Irvine. Funds will be used for legal costs, defense campaign costs, mutual aid for activists facing charges (emergency relief, food, necessities, etc.). Your contribution to this legal fund can help ensure that our members at Irvine will not be financially burdened with fighting the boss in court.

Any funds not used in defense of the campus activists after all charges are dealt with will be allocated to a legal defense fund across the UC. We are aiming to raise $1,000 by the end of the this month. Any funds not used in defense of the campus activists after all charges are dealt with will be allocated to other legal funds across the UC and other universities.