DOJ Investigates Allegations of Anti-Semitism at University of California
A civil rights task force is visiting college campuses that have been accused of anti-Semitism, including UCLA and UC Berkeley.
The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a civil rights investigation into claims of anti-Semitism within the University of California (UC) system, expressing concerns about a “potential pattern” of discrimination against Jewish staff.
“In the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks in Israel, there has been a rise in anti-Semitic incidents at prominent institutions of higher education in the U.S., including my own alma mater at UCLA,” stated Leo Terrell, a key member of the Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism and senior counsel in the DOJ’s civil rights division, in the announcement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that her department “will always stand up for Jewish Americans, safeguard civil rights, and utilize our resources to eliminate institutional anti-Semitism in our nation’s universities.”
The DOJ did not detail specific incidents or name other UC campuses apart from a brief mention of UCLA.
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Tensions have increased across UC campuses amid a spike in pro-Palestinian demonstrations following the Israel-Gaza conflict. Last spring, protest tents and barricades appeared at all 10 UC campuses, including UCLA, where clashes broke out between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and pro-Israel counter-protesters who attempted to dismantle their so-called “solidarity encampment.”
Some protesters at UCLA faced accusations of employing anti-Semitic slogans and signage, and of establishing campus checkpoints where Jewish students were reportedly coerced to express support for the Palestinian cause to be granted passage. However, the demonstrators claimed that their protests were aimed at UC’s financial connections to Israel and not targeted at Jewish individuals.
A UC spokesperson reiterated the system’s dedication to combating all forms of hate.
“We want to emphasize: The University of California is committed to fighting anti-Semitism and safeguarding everyone’s civil rights,” the spokesperson stated in a message to The Epoch Times. “We are continually taking specific measures to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination for all members of the university community.”
In December, UC reached a settlement with the Department of Education under the previous administration of President Joe Biden, addressing a series of federal civil rights complaints related to pro-Palestinian protests.
Moreover, UC pledged to devise a plan for conducting “climate surveys” throughout its campuses to evaluate the extent of discrimination experienced or witnessed by students, including harassment based on race, color, or national origin.
