DOJ sues UCLA, alleging antisemitism

The Hill

by Lexi Lonas Cochran

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), accusing the institution of creating a hostile work environment for Jewish faculty during pro-Palestinian campus protests in 2024. This legal action marks the latest move by the Trump administration to hold colleges accountable for failing to address antisemitism on campus. The DOJ alleges that UCLA violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Specifically, the complaint focuses on incidents during the 2024 demonstrations, where Jewish faculty reportedly faced harassment and intimidation, including anti-Semitic slurs and threats. The case highlights a broader pattern of legal actions taken by the DOJ under the Trump administration against universities they accuse of not adequately addressing antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests. Critics argue that these lawsuits reflect a political strategy to target institutions perceived as being too lenient toward Palestinian solidarity movements, often at the expense of Jewish faculty and students. This ongoing conflict raises questions about free speech on campuses and the balance between protecting employees from discrimination and allowing for robust political expression. The lawsuit underscores the tension between supporting Israel and addressing pro-Palestinian activism in higher education. It also sets a legal precedent that could influence how universities handle campus speech and discrimination cases moving forward. As the case unfolds, it will likely spark debates about the role of Title VII in regulating campus environments and the broader implications for academic freedom and political advocacy.

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Originally published on The Hill on 2/24/2026