Justice Department Sues UCLA Over Antisemitism on Campus

Lawsuit alleges university failed to address harassment of Jewish students and faculty

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), alleging the school created a hostile work environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff by failing to address widespread antisemitism on campus. The complaint states UCLA violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act by turning a blind eye to and even facilitating antisemitic acts, including allowing protesters to block Jewish individuals from accessing parts of the campus.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing issue of antisemitism on college campuses and the responsibility of universities to protect students and faculty from harassment and discrimination. It also raises questions about the extent to which UCLA administration was complicit in allowing the antisemitic behavior to continue unchecked.

The details

According to the Justice Department complaint, UCLA failed to discipline any students, staff, or faculty members for antisemitic behavior, even in cases where individuals were arrested for illegal conduct. The complaint also alleges that antisemitism was apparent in the school's hiring practices, with a UCLA student government official instructing others to research applicants' 'Zionist' ties and maintain a 'no hire list'.

  • The Justice Department filed the lawsuit on February 26, 2026.
  • The alleged incidents of antisemitism on campus occurred in the months following the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre.

The players

U.S. Department of Justice

The federal agency that filed the lawsuit against UCLA, alleging the university failed to address widespread antisemitism on campus.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The public research university in Los Angeles that is accused of violating Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act by creating a hostile work environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

Alicia Verdugo

A commissioner on UCLA's Undergraduate Students Association Council Cultural Affairs Commission who allegedly instructed others to research applicants' 'Zionist' ties and maintain a 'no hire list'.

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What they’re saying

“Lots of zionists are applying – please do your research when you look at applicants and I will also share a doc of no hire list during retreat”

— Alicia Verdugo, Commissioner, UCLA Undergraduate Students Association Council Cultural Affairs Commission (Justice Department Complaint)

What’s next

The case will now proceed through the legal system, with UCLA likely to defend itself against the allegations. The outcome could set an important precedent regarding universities' obligations to address antisemitism on their campuses.

The takeaway

This lawsuit underscores the persistent problem of antisemitism in higher education and the need for universities to take a proactive and uncompromising stance in protecting Jewish students, faculty, and staff from harassment and discrimination.