Former UCSB Student Body President Sues College Over Alleged Antisemitism

Tessa Veksler claims the university failed to protect her from harassment and attacks due to her Jewish identity.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tessa Veksler, the former student body president at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has filed a lawsuit against the college alleging that it failed to protect her from antisemitic attacks and harassment. Veksler claims she was subjected to a monthslong campaign of abuse, including being doxxed and called a 'Zionist dog', after condemning a terrorist attack on Israel perpetrated by Hamas in October 2023.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing concerns around antisemitism on college campuses and the responsibility of universities to protect their Jewish students from harassment and discrimination. It also raises questions about the university's response to Veksler's repeated pleas for help and the school's role in allowing the alleged abuse to escalate.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the harassment against Veksler began shortly after she condemned the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel in an Instagram post. She was quickly accused online of supporting genocide and subjected to antisemitic tropes. The abuse then escalated in late February 2024 at the Multicultural Center on the UCSB campus, where her student government office was located. Students allegedly posted signs throughout the building making it clear that Veksler, as a Zionist, was 'unwelcome on campus'.

  • On October 8, 2023, Veksler condemned the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel in an Instagram post.
  • In late February 2024, the alleged harassment escalated at the UCSB Multicultural Center, where Veksler's student government office was located.

The players

Tessa Veksler

The former student body president at the University of California, Santa Barbara who is suing the college for failing to protect her from antisemitic attacks and harassment.

University of California, Santa Barbara

The college that Veksler is suing for allegedly not assisting her in protecting herself from the ongoing attacks and harassment she faced.

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What’s next

The university is expected to respond to the lawsuit by April 7.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of antisemitism on college campuses and the need for universities to take stronger action to protect their Jewish students from harassment and discrimination. It also raises questions about the responsibility of institutions to address such issues and support their students when they face targeted attacks.