UCLA Accused of Inaction on Campus Antisemitism

Despite chancellor's claims, university faces lawsuits and criticism over handling of pro-Palestinian protests

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The University of California, Los Angeles has been accused of failing to adequately address antisemitism on campus, despite the chancellor's assertions that combating it is a 'moral imperative.' The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit alleging UCLA did not discipline pro-Palestinian activists who mistreated Jewish students, and the university previously settled a $6.13 million lawsuit by excluded Jewish students and faculty. Critics say UCLA has not stopped ongoing demonstrations by the banned Students for Justice in Palestine group and has failed to provide adequate security for Jewish students and speakers.

Why it matters

Allegations of antisemitism on college campuses have become a growing concern, with Jewish students and faculty reporting harassment, discrimination, and a hostile environment. UCLA's handling of these issues is seen as a test case for how universities respond to such problems and whether they are willing to take strong action to protect Jewish members of their community.

The details

The Justice Department lawsuit alleges that UCLA failed to formally discipline pro-Palestinian activists who mistreated Jewish students during protests in October 2023. The university also previously settled a $6.13 million lawsuit by Jewish students and faculty who claimed they were 'excluded' from campus activities. Despite banning the Students for Justice in Palestine group in early 2025, UCLA has allegedly failed to stop the group's ongoing demonstrations on campus. Campus police also reportedly did not enforce mask mandates during a recent SJP protest in October 2025. Jewish students and speakers have also faced security concerns, with CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss cancelling a lecture due to safety issues.

  • In October 2023, pro-Palestinian activists allegedly mistreated Jewish students during protests on the UCLA campus.
  • In early 2025, UCLA banned the Students for Justice in Palestine group.
  • In October 2025, campus police allegedly failed to enforce mask mandates during an SJP protest.

The players

Julio Frenk

The chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles who stated that combating antisemitism is a 'moral imperative' for the university.

Bari Weiss

The CBS editor-in-chief who cancelled a lecture at UCLA due to security concerns.

Students for Justice in Palestine

A pro-Palestinian student group that was banned by UCLA in early 2025 but has allegedly continued to hold demonstrations on campus.

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What they’re saying

“Combating antisemitism is a moral imperative . . . advanced through consistent leadership and serious action.”

— Julio Frenk, Chancellor, University of California, Los Angeles (Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

The Justice Department lawsuit against UCLA over its handling of antisemitism allegations is ongoing, and the university's response will be closely watched.

The takeaway

UCLA's response to allegations of antisemitism on campus has come under intense scrutiny, with critics arguing the university has failed to take sufficient action to protect Jewish students and faculty. The case highlights the broader challenges universities face in addressing discrimination and creating an inclusive environment for all students.