Trump Administration Sues UCLA Over Alleged Hostile Antisemitic Workplace
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), accusing the institution of fostering a hostile antisemitic environment for Jewish and Israeli employees. The complaint, lodged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on February 25, 2026, alleges that UCLA violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by permitting discrimination based on religion and national origin.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi, speaking on behalf of the DOJ, stated that the investigation uncovered evidence of “virulent anti-Semitism” tolerated by campus administrators. “This lawsuit underscores that this Department of Justice stands strong against hate and anti-Semitism in all its vile forms,” Bondi said. The suit follows a nationwide surge in campus protests and tensions after the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which heightened scrutiny of antisemitic incidents in academic settings.
The DOJ’s complaint details multiple disturbing occurrences, including physical assaults on Jewish professors, the appearance of swastikas on university buildings, and the exclusion of Jewish employees from certain campus areas. These allegations suggest a pattern of discriminatory conduct that the department argues UCLA failed to address adequately.
The lawsuit is part of a broader federal effort to combat antisemitism on college campuses, a priority underscored by recent actions from the Department of Justice. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has increasingly focused on enforcing protections under federal laws such as Title VII, which prohibits employment discrimination based on religion, race, color, sex, and national origin.
UCLA, as part of the University of California system, has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, the university has faced criticism in the past over its handling of campus climate issues. The allegations come amid a complex national conversation about free speech, academic freedom, and the boundaries of protest on university grounds.
Experts note that the lawsuit highlights the challenges institutions face in balancing diverse viewpoints while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all employees and students. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces Title VII, has previously issued guidance to universities on preventing religious discrimination and harassment.
Campus antisemitism has drawn increased federal attention in recent years, with the U.S. Department of State also tracking incidents globally. The Trump administration’s legal action against UCLA signals a commitment to holding institutions accountable for failing to protect Jewish individuals from discrimination and hostility.
As the case proceeds, it may set important precedents regarding the responsibilities of public universities to combat antisemitism and maintain nondiscriminatory workplaces. The outcome could influence policies nationwide and shape how universities respond to similar allegations in the future.
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