UCLA Violated Rights of All, Not Just Jews

The antisemitism at UCLA is a threat to everyone's civil rights, not just the Jewish community.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The editorial board of the California Post argues that the antisemitism and suppression of civil liberties at UCLA is a broader threat to everyone's rights, not just the Jewish community. The university allowed an anti-Israel encampment to block access to dorms and classes, and failed to stop activists from assaulting a journalist, violating press freedom. The Department of Justice is now suing UCLA over these incidents, which the editorial says show how intolerance towards one group can lead to attacks on anyone who doesn't submit to the mob.

Why it matters

This case highlights how allowing discrimination and suppression of civil liberties against one group can quickly escalate into a broader threat to the rights of all. When universities fail to uphold the civil rights of minority groups and the free press, it sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the principles of a free and open society.

The details

In the spring of 2024, anti-Israel activists set up an encampment on the UCLA campus that blocked Jewish students from accessing their dorms and classes unless they rejected Zionism. The university put up steel barriers around the encampment instead of removing it. The encampment also prevented journalists from entering, with activists assaulting a reporter who tried to enter through a 'media' entrance, a clear violation of press freedom.

  • In the spring of 2024, anti-Israel activists set up an encampment on the UCLA campus.
  • In 2026, the Department of Justice sued UCLA over the incidents.

The players

UCLA

A public university in Los Angeles that failed to address antisemitism and civil liberties violations on its campus.

Department of Justice

The U.S. federal agency that is suing UCLA over the incidents of antisemitism and suppression of civil rights on campus.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who has refused to allow UCLA to reach a settlement with the Trump administration, accusing the federal government of trying to 'silence academic freedom.'

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What they’re saying

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

— Pam Bondi, Attorney General

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether the Department of Justice's lawsuit against UCLA can proceed.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates how allowing discrimination and suppression of civil liberties against one group can quickly escalate into a broader threat to the rights of all. Universities have a duty to uphold the civil rights of all students and the free press, and failure to do so undermines the principles of a free and open society.