DOJ Sues UCLA Over Alleged Antisemitism and Hostile Campus Environment

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), accusing the university of failing to protect Jewish and Israeli students from antisemitism on campus. The lawsuit, filed by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, alleges that UCLA violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by allowing a hostile educational environment to develop during pro-Palestinian protests in 2024.

According to the complaint, the Justice Department claims UCLA showed “deliberate indifference” toward antisemitic incidents linked to an encampment established on campus in April 2024. Federal officials argued that Jewish students faced harassment and intimidation during demonstrations connected to the Israel-Gaza war.

Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said universities are legally required to maintain safe campuses for all students regardless of religion or national origin. He warned that institutions failing to address antisemitism could face legal consequences under federal civil rights laws.

UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk strongly rejected the allegations, stating that the university has actively worked to combat antisemitism and improve campus safety. Frenk highlighted several measures introduced by UCLA, including appointing a Title VI officer, restructuring the university’s civil rights office, and strengthening campus safety policies.

The university also launched a campus-wide initiative focused on addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. In May 2025, UCLA released a report outlining recommendations aimed at reducing hate and improving inclusion across campus.

Earlier this year, UCLA suspended two student organizations, Students for Justice in Palestine and Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine, over their involvement in protests targeting University of California regent Jay Sures.

The lawsuit is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on antisemitism at U.S. universities following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which sparked widespread student demonstrations across American campuses.