DOJ Sues UC Over Alleged Antisemitism, Hostile Work Environment at UCLA

Lawsuit alleges university failed to address repeated incidents of harassment against Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, alleging that UCLA fostered a hostile work environment against Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff in violation of federal law. The lawsuit claims the university allowed antisemitic harassment to continue unchecked, including physical threats, classroom disruptions, and anti-Jewish imagery on campus.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about antisemitism on college campuses and the responsibility of universities to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. The lawsuit could set a precedent for how universities must address and respond to allegations of discrimination and harassment.

The details

According to the DOJ complaint, the alleged incidents of antisemitism at UCLA began following a Hamas-led massacre in Israel in October 2023. The lawsuit alleges the university failed to properly investigate dozens of civil rights complaints filed by Jewish and Israeli employees since then, and at times "facilitated" actions directed against them, including physical threats, classroom disruption, and anti-Jewish imagery in the workplace.

  • The alleged incidents of antisemitism began in October 2023 following a Hamas-led massacre in Israel.
  • In June 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission launched an investigation into the alleged incidents of harassment at UCLA.
  • The DOJ issued a notice of its investigation to UCLA in March 2025.

The players

University of California

The public university system that includes UCLA, which is accused of fostering a hostile work environment against Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff.

Pamela Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who stated that the DOJ "stands strong against hate and anti-Semitism in all its vile forms."

Andrea Lucas

The Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, who said the EEOC is "committed to eradicating antisemitism at work."

Bill Essayli

The First Assistant U.S. Attorney who alleged that 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."

Mary Osako

UCLA's vice chancellor for strategic communications, who said the university has taken "concrete and significant steps to strengthen campus safety, enforce policies, and combat antisemitism in a systemic and sustained manner."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These ongoing and long-standing institutional efforts, including clear expectations and a commitment to enforcement, are working.”

— Mary Osako, UCLA Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications (KESQ)

“Based on our investigation, UCLA administrators allegedly allowed virulent anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike.”

— Pamela Bondi, U.S. Attorney General (KESQ)

“The EEOC is committed to eradicating antisemitism at work. If a university will not investigate and remedy repeated allegations of antisemitism against its employees, then EEOC will.”

— Andrea Lucas, EEOC Chair (KESQ)

“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. The federal government has an obligation to step in and ensure a discrimination-free environment.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney (KESQ)

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks to compel UCLA to take steps to address the alleged antisemitism on campus, including implementing new policies and procedures to prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenge of combating antisemitism in higher education and the responsibility of universities to foster a safe, inclusive environment for all employees. The DOJ's lawsuit against UCLA could set an important precedent for how universities must address and remedy allegations of discrimination and harassment on their campuses.