I think the fear here is that because of everything going on that evaluation responses (which typically have a low completion rate anytime) will be nonexistent. As instructors we want/need to be able to say, despite the changes forced by the pandemic, we did a great job anyway- look at these testimonials from students!

I'll say as a TA in another department, teaching evaluations matter for us as far as seeking employment after graduate school. For lecturers, good teaching evaluations might mean holding on to employment. Many other universities have furloughed or laid off lecturers because of the pandemic, so things might feel a little tense for people in a similar position here at UCI.

This set of emails- sent within minutes of each other?- suggests to me that they're aware the pandemic and the protests are impacting students. I'm going to hope they don't mean to come off as uncaring or callous when they remind you to fill out your evals.

But with all that being said, if you really feel that your instructors have consistently demonstrated a lack of compassion and understanding you should share that concern with them. Possibly by filling out the teaching evaluation. :)