DOJ Lawsuit Against UCLA for Failing to Protect Jewish Students

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against UCLA. The lawsuit claims the university ignored discrimination and violence against Jewish and Israeli students during a 2024 protest. During this event, aggressive protestors allegedly beat and pepper-sprayed students.

Brooke Goldstein, a human rights attorney, has pointed out the political dimensions of antisemitism. Since the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, university campuses have been central to the national debate on antisemitism. However, a new report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveals less scrutiny on faculty behavior.

The ADL report highlights claims of professors and teaching assistants incorporating anti-Israel activism into their classes. Some faculty are reported to have offered extra credit for attending anti-Israel events. Allegations suggest Jewish and Israeli students have been unfairly targeted in classrooms.

A key finding is that such faculty behavior often takes place in academic settings that are hard for outsiders to monitor. The report indicates 27.3% of Jewish students observed antisemitic behavior from faculty, increasing perceived hostility on campuses.

Specific incidents include faculty canceling classes for students to join anti-Israel protests. At the University of California, Berkeley, students were allegedly incentivized to attend events promoting views against Israel.

In response to these allegations, UC Berkeley’s Assistant Vice Chancellor Dan Mogulof stated they found no evidence of credit incentives for such events.

UCLA has faced similar claims. In one instance, extra credit was reportedly offered for attending an ‘Emergency Teach-in’ concerning Palestine.

Further reports from Columbia University reveal faculty making divisive comments toward Jewish and Israeli students. One case involved a student being questioned about settler colonialism due to being Israeli. Another involved derogatory statements about Jewish people’s history.

Columbia University has responded by enhancing mechanisms to report bias incidents. They aim to ensure inclusive academic environments, supporting Jewish student communities on campus.

The ADL warns faculty antisemitism has severe impacts due to the influence professors hold over students. They urge comprehensive measures to combat antisemitism and safeguard all students’ well-being on campuses.