By Two lawsuits filed against UCLA claim the campus mishandled issues related to antisemitism and anti-Palestinian bias amid protests over the Israel-Hamas war. These opposing suits allege that students and faculty faced discrimination, harassment, and unlawful arrests during spring protests, forcing UCLA to balance free speech and campus safety.
Lawsuit Claims of Antiwar Bias and Free Speech Violations
On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California filed a lawsuit against UCLA and the University of California Board of Regents, accusing the university of suppressing antiwar voices and unlawfully arresting students and faculty. The ACLU seeks to clear protesters’ disciplinary records, prevent future disciplinary actions against protesters, and stop UCLA from ordering dispersal based solely on breaches of university policies, which the suit argues unfairly targeted pro-Palestinian activists.
Graeme Blair, a UCLA political science professor and plaintiff, expressed disappointment over the university’s actions, stating, “As an educator, I am ashamed that the university failed our students.”
Antisemitism Complaint: “Jewish Exclusion Zone”
A second lawsuit, initially filed in June, was amended on Tuesday to include more detailed claims from Jewish students and faculty who say they experienced antisemitism on campus. Plaintiffs allege they were restricted from accessing certain areas during pro-Palestinian protests and that UCLA failed to uphold its non-discrimination policies.
“UCLA has failed to provide Jewish students, faculty, and staff with the protection promised by such policies,” reads the complaint, noting that Jewish individuals on campus should not fear for their safety.
UCLA’s Response
UCLA emphasized its support for First Amendment rights, clarifying that expressions must not endanger community safety or violate campus policies. The university also cited the disruptive and unlawful nature of certain protest activities as the reason for enforcing limitations on campus gatherings.
Both lawsuits reference UCLA task forces that have examined antisemitism and Islamophobia. The reports revealed a concerning atmosphere on campus, with Jewish and Israeli American students reporting increased threats, while the anti-Palestinian bias report cited higher restrictions on free speech for those protesting the Gaza war.
Protests have continued into the new academic year, with arrests reported as tensions remain high on campus.
