(IMAGN) Protestors clash with police, pushing members of the LAPD out of the western end of Dickson Court in the early morning hours of May 2. Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with law enforcement as officials clear demonstrator encampments on UCLA's campus on May 2, 2024 in Los Angeles,.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Wednesday it is launching a civil rights investigation into allegations of antisemitism at the University of California (UC) system.
The investigation, based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, will examine whether UC engaged in a “pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, religion and national origin” against workers by allowing “an antisemitic hostile work environment to exist” across its campuses.
“Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, there has been an outbreak of antisemitic incidents at leading institutions of higher education in America, including at my own alma mater at the UCLA campus of UC,” said Leo Terrell, a member of the Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism and senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights.
Terrell noted that the impact on UC students has been the subject of significant media attention and multiple federal investigations. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the department’s commitment to defending Jewish Americans and eradicating institutional antisemitism in universities.
In a statement, the University of California said it “is unwavering in its commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting everyone’s civil rights” and that it is taking steps to foster a harassment-free and discrimination-free environment.
This investigation comes amid heightened tensions on college campuses following the October 7th attacks. Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced a review of contracts and grants related to Columbia University due to similar antisemitism allegations. The Department of Health and Human Services, General Services Administration, and the Department of Education cited Columbia’s “inaction in the face of relentless harassment of Jewish students” as the reason for the review.
The president has also threatened to cut funding for universities that allow “illegal protests” related to the war in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian protests have occurred at universities nationwide, including UC Los Angeles and Columbia University, drawing national attention.
