DOJ Sues UCLA Over Alleged Hostile Environment for Jewish and Israeli Faculty
The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, alleging a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff at its UCLA campus. The suit claims a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The suit alleges that the University engaged in a pattern of discrimination by not preventing or correcting discriminatory and harassing conduct against Jewish and Israeli employees.
The lawsuit states that antisemitic acts were present at UCLA following the October 7, 2023, events in Israel. It further claims the University negligently allowed a hostile work environment for two complainants and other affected employees.
Allegations of Harassment
The complaint details alleged incidents in 2024, including antisemitic harassment near Royce Hall, restrictions on Jewish individuals from parts of the main quad, assaults on Jewish professors, and swastikas graffitied on university buildings. It asserts the University did not address alleged violations of viewpoint-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions related to actions targeting Jewish and Israeli employees.
Jewish and Israeli faculty reportedly faced physical threats, classroom disruptions, and disturbing images at their workplaces. The suit also states that Jewish professors experienced ostracism and harassment from colleagues and students, with some supervisors allegedly participating in or failing to report these actions.
These conditions reportedly led many Jewish and Israeli employees to take leave, work remotely, or leave their positions.
Official Statements
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that the investigation indicates UCLA administrators allegedly permitted antisemitism on campus.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon remarked that the alleged antisemitic acts, if confirmed, would reflect negatively on the University of California, and affirmed the Justice Department's commitment to ensuring a harassment-free environment.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli added that UCLA allegedly did not uphold its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity by not intervening when Jewish employees faced harassment.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit originated from a Commissioner’s Charge filed by Andrea Lucas of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in June 2024. The EEOC contributed to investigating the harassment allegations and identified issues with the University's complaint system.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas stated the commission's commitment to addressing antisemitism in workplaces and to intervene if universities do not investigate and resolve such allegations.