UCLA Protester Challenges University Discipline in Court

A UCLA doctoral student is taking legal action against the University of California, demanding the reversal of his two-quarter suspension and the release of his master’s degree withheld for over 600 days. This lawsuit sheds light on the often-private student discipline process at UCLA.

Background of the Case

The legal dispute follows pro-Palestinian protests at UCLA in 2024, which led to campus unrest and a violent incident at a university encampment. The controversy spurred criticism from the Trump administration regarding the handling of antisemitism claims at UCLA and similar institutions.

The protests called for divestment from companies linked to the Israeli military. While some Jewish community members termed the protests as antisemitic, others supported them. Dylan Kupsh, a 27-year-old doctoral student, became an outspoken figure in the movement and has publicly opposed the disciplinary actions against him.

Details of the Lawsuit

Kupsh’s lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, targets the UC Board of Regents, UCLA student conduct administrators, and a UCLA police captain. He is represented by civil rights lawyers and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

The lawsuit cites viewpoint discrimination and due process violations, criticizing the university’s lack of clear notice about the charges. A UCLA spokesperson stated that the university would respond to the lawsuit appropriately in court.

Protest and Disciplinary Actions

The origins of Kupsh’s case lie in demonstrations post-UCLA’s spring 2024 encampment, with allegations that these protests impeded some students’ access to campus. These allegations resulted in a $6.45 million settlement and subsequent Justice Department lawsuit.

Kupsh faced 14 campus citations between August 2024 and June 2025. Incidents included blocking paths and defying orders during protests. While arrested, he was not charged criminally. UCLA’s interim suspension barred him from campus for 291 days. Kupsh contests that he was not adequately informed of the evidence against him before suspension.

The university found him culpable for failing to show his ID and for obstructing a student’s path in two separate protests. Kupsh acknowledges attending protests but denies leading or obstructing access.

Implications of the Suspension

The lawsuit challenges a suspension that extends to December 2026, affecting his doctoral studies and withholding his master’s degree. Kupsh, who estimates a financial loss over $17,000, seeks damages and costs from the university.

Campus Discipline Context

In previous investigations, only two out of nearly 350 arrests at UCLA and USC protests led to charges, and UCLA saw the highest duration for protest-related hearings. Most disciplinary outcomes involved milder penalties like warnings and probation.

Strict enforcement of protest rules has curtailed recent demonstrations at UC. UCLA faced significant repercussions including funding freezes and settlement demands due to protests, raising university and community tensions.

There is debate among faculty and community groups about whether UC adequately curbs or unfairly restricts pro-Palestinian activism.

Kupsh’s lawsuit underscores his push to continue his academic journey despite perceived institutional barriers. He emphasizes his intention to complete his PhD and criticizes UCLA’s attempt to thwart that goal.