Trump regime sues UCLA over anti-Semitism claims amid crackdown on pro-Palestine activism
The administration of US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), alleging the university failed to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestine protests linked to Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
The US Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit against UCLA on Tuesday, alleging that the university violated Title VI of federal civil rights law by allowing what it called a hostile environment for Jewish students and faculty members.
The lawsuit focused heavily on a pro-Palestine encampment established on UCLA’s campus in April 2024 during nationwide student protests condemning Israel’s genocidal military campaign in Gaza, which triggered global outrage over mass civilian casualties and the destruction of Palestinian neighborhoods, hospitals, and universities.
The Trump administration alleged that Jewish students were harassed and blocked from parts of campus during the demonstrations.
Critics of the administration say such allegations are increasingly being used to suppress anti-Israel protests and silence opposition to Washington’s continued support for Israel.
“Universities have an obligation to maintain safe and inclusive campuses for all students,” said William Essayli, the first assistant US attorney for the Central District of California.
“Universities that violate our nation’s civil rights laws by repeatedly failing to shield Jewish students from anti-Semitism will be held accountable.”
UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk rejected the allegations, saying the institution had taken multiple steps to address tensions on campus while protecting freedom of expression.
He explained that UCLA had appointed an associate vice chancellor for campus and community safety, reorganized its civil rights office, assigned a Title VI officer, and strengthened policies related to campus security and free speech.
He also pointed to a university-wide initiative launched to combat different forms of discrimination.
Meanwhile, UCLA has faced growing criticism from students and civil liberties advocates over disciplinary actions targeting pro-Palestine groups.
In February 2025, the university suspended Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine (GSJP) over a protest outside the home of University of California regent Jay Sures.
A month later, university officials recommended revoking SJP’s campus status and suspending GSJP for four years.
The lawsuit is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration against universities that witnessed large-scale demonstrations against Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza
Critics say the White House has used anti-Semitism as a pretext in order to curb pro-Palestinian activism.
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