The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has concluded an investigation into a complaint against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), regarding alleged antisemitic harassment in 2018. The investigation found insufficient evidence to determine that UCLA failed to respond appropriately to the allegations.

The complaint was related to an incident during a Students for Justice in Palestine conference held on the UCLA campus in 2018. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, institutions receiving federal funds must ensure no hostile environment based on national origin exists and take prompt action if notified of such conditions.

OCR's investigation revealed that there was no evidence indicating that anyone informed UCLA about harassment linked to the conference. Despite this, OCR noted that UCLA had taken several steps to address potential concerns before, during, and after the event. These included coordinating with student groups and campus security for safety measures and providing platforms for counter-messaging through tabling opportunities in designated free-speech zones.

UCLA also ensured administrators were available throughout the conference and facilitated post-event discussions with students. Additionally, they publicized procedures for filing harassment complaints and published an opinion piece by the University Chancellor in the Los Angeles Times addressing antisemitism concerns.

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon commented on the resolution: “Everyone has a right to learn in an environment free from discriminatory harassment based on who they are,” adding appreciation for UCLA's efforts related to antisemitism concerns.

The letter detailing OCR's findings is accessible on their website.