Trump Administration Sues UCLA Over Alleged Antisemitism

DOJ claims university allowed hostile work environment for Jewish, Israeli faculty

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Justice has sued the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) over allegations that the school has allowed a hostile work environment to develop for Jewish and Israeli faculty members by ignoring and sometimes facilitating antisemitic behavior on campus.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights growing concerns over antisemitism on college campuses and the federal government's role in addressing discrimination against Jewish and Israeli academics. The case could set precedents around universities' obligations to maintain discrimination-free environments for their employees.

The details

The DOJ accused UCLA of failing to address a "severe and pervasive" atmosphere of antisemitism, in which Jewish and Israeli faculty allegedly faced harassment. Activists were said to have excluded staff from parts of the campus during protests, without facing formal discipline. The DOJ also claimed UCLA's system for reporting hostile work environment complaints was poorly designed, leaving even sophisticated faculty feeling "puzzled" and unsure where to turn.

  • The lawsuit was filed by the DOJ on February 25, 2026.

The players

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

A public research university in Los Angeles, California and one of the 10 campuses of the University of California system.

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

The federal executive department responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice in the United States.

Bill Essayli

Head of the DOJ's central California office.

Julio Frenk

Chancellor of UCLA.

Harmeet Dhillon

Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Bill Essayli, Head of the DOJ's central California office

“Antisemitism has no place in our society — and no place at UCLA. It threatens the mission of academia and is antithetical to the values that define the very essence of a university. Everyone deserves the right to learn, teach, work and live in a community that is free from discrimination and bigotry.”

— Julio Frenk, Chancellor of UCLA

“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. The Justice Department will ensure that UCLA maintains an environment for its employees free from antisemitic harassment.”

— Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division

What’s next

The judge presiding over the case will determine if UCLA violated federal civil rights laws and what, if any, remedies the university must implement to address the alleged antisemitism on campus.

The takeaway

This lawsuit underscores the ongoing challenges universities face in maintaining inclusive environments for all students, faculty and staff, particularly when it comes to addressing antisemitism. The outcome of this case could set important precedents around universities' legal obligations to protect employees from discrimination and harassment.