The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, alleging that its Los Angeles campus (UCLA) permitted a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff. The complaint claims violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the complaint, after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack in Israel, antisemitic incidents increased at UCLA. The lawsuit states that the university failed to prevent or address discriminatory and harassing behavior directed at Jewish and Israeli employees. It further alleges that UCLA allowed a hostile work environment to persist for two specific individuals and other affected staff members.
In 2024, reports indicated ongoing antisemitic harassment near Royce Hall on campus. Incidents included restricting Jews from parts of the main quad, assaults on Jewish professors, and swastika graffiti on university buildings.
The Justice Department alleges that UCLA did not enforce viewpoint-neutral policies regarding time, place, and manner restrictions when actions targeted Jewish and Israeli employees. Faculty reportedly faced physical threats, classroom disruptions, and disturbing images placed in their workplaces.
The complaint also asserts that Jewish professors have been ostracized by colleagues and students. In some cases, supervisors failed to report these acts or participated in them. Some employees were compelled to take leave or resign due to the work environment.
“UCLA failed to live up to its systemwide commitment to diversity and equal opportunity when it stood by as Jewish employees were subjected to harassment,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “The federal government has an obligation to step in and ensure a discrimination-free environment at our universities.”
“Based on our investigation, UCLA administrators allegedly allowed virulent anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s lawsuit underscores that this Department of Justice stands strong against hate and anti-Semitism in all its vile forms.”
“The litany of vile acts of antisemitism that allegedly took place, and continue to take place, at UCLA are, if found to be true, a mark of shame against the University of California,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will ensure that UCLA maintains an environment for its employees free from antisemitic harassment.”
The case originates from a Commissioner’s Charge filed by then-Commissioner Andrea Lucas of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in June 2024. The EEOC investigated complaints about harassment at UCLA and identified shortcomings in how grievances were handled. “The EEOC is committed to eradicating antisemitism at work,” said EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. “If a university will not investigate and remedy repeated allegations of antisemitism against its employees, then EEOC will.”
Assistant United States Attorney Julie A. Hamill from the Civil Division’s Civil Rights Section is leading litigation with support from Justice Department Trial Attorneys Carl D. Wasserman and Besa Bucaj.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California plays a role in prosecuting federal criminal cases as well as handling civil matters for the government across seven counties serving over 19 million residents. This office also supports community outreach through victim assistance programs and public education initiatives while working with law enforcement partners at various levels to maintain public safety.
E. Martin Estrada has served as United States Attorney for this district.
