The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has agreed to pay nearly $6.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Jewish students and a professor who alleged that the university allowed antisemitic discrimination during pro-Palestinian protests last year. The lawsuit claimed that protesters, with the 'knowledge and acquiescence' of university officials, prevented Jewish students from accessing parts of campus and made antisemitic threats.
Under the settlement announced on Tuesday, UCLA admitted it had 'fallen short' and will pay $2.33 million to eight groups supporting UCLA's Jewish community, $320,000 to a campus initiative to combat antisemitism, and $50,000 to each plaintiff. The parties expressed satisfaction with the terms, stating in a joint statement that the agreement 'demonstrates real progress in the fight against antisemitism.'
On the same day, the Trump administration's Department of Justice found that UCLA violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by acting with 'deliberate indifference' in creating a hostile educational environment for Jewish and Israeli students. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said UCLA failed to take timely action in response to credible claims of harm and hostility.
The protests at UCLA were part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations against the war in Gaza, which has killed over 60,000 Palestinians. The encampment drew national attention after a violent attack by counter-protesters. UCLA also faces a separate lawsuit from pro-Palestinian protesters alleging negligence during that assault.
The university stated it has taken 'substantive action' to combat antisemitism, including publicising campus bans on encampments and opposing calls to boycott Israel. UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly affirmed that antisemitism has no place at the university, adding, 'We are committed to doing better moving forward.'
