US justice department sues UCLA over alleged antisemitism amid pro-Palestinian protests

The Guardian World

by Cecilia Nowell

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), alleging that the university failed to address a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff following pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The lawsuit, brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, claims UCLA did not adequately prevent or correct discriminatory behavior after violent Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 triggered widespread demonstrations across the university. This legal action marks the latest move by the Trump administration to target universities, escalating its ongoing conflict with California. The suit argues that UCLA's failure to protect its employees from harassment and discrimination created a toxic workplace atmosphere, particularly during and after the protests that erupted in response to the Gaza war. The Justice Department accuses the university of not taking sufficient steps to address anti-Semitic rhetoric and actions, including the targeting of Jewish faculty members. This comes amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and California over various policy disputes, with this lawsuit seen as a significant escalation. The case highlights the intersection of free speech, academic freedom, and discrimination in higher education institutions. Advocacy groups for Jewish students and faculty have long criticized universities for not doing enough to combat anti-Semitic incidents during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. While some campuses have faced criticism for over-policing dissent, UCLA’s failure to address these issues has drawn sharp rebuke from federal authorities. This lawsuit underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing free expression with the need to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace. As tensions between Israel and Hamas persist, universities in the US face increasing pressure to navigate complex political landscapes on campus. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how institutions handle similar situations in the future, making it a significant moment in both higher education and civil rights law.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026