Justice Department Launches Probe into Antisemitism Allegations at UC
Investigation into Potential Pattern of Discrimination against Jewish Employees
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday that it has launched a civil rights investigation into allegations of antisemitism at the University of California, saying its attorneys believe there is a “potential pattern” of discrimination against Jewish employees at the state’s flagship higher education system.
Investigation into Allegations of Antisemitism
The investigation is the latest Trump administration action against universities it accuses of allowing campus antisemitism to fester amid a groundswell of pro-Palestinian protest since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that launched Israel’s war in Gaza.
Executive Order
The UC investigation comes after a Jan. 30 executive order in which Trump pledged to “marshal all Federal resources to combat the explosion of antisemitism on our campuses and in our streets.”
Pro-Palestinian Protests
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations reached a height last spring with encampments, building takeovers, and police sweeps. Encampments emerged at the 10 UC campuses, including one at UCLA that turned violent. Counter-protesters attacked the UCLA site, where protesters were accused of using antisemitic signage and chants and of preventing Jewish students from accessing campus walkways.
Protesters’ Response
Protesters have denied that their actions were antisemitic. They argued that phrases such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” are calls for equality and not for the death of Jews. They said that Jewish students joined pro-Palestinian protests and that the ideology of the camps — which did not achieve their goal of getting UC to divest ties to Israel or weapons companies — was anti-Zionist but not anti-Jewish.
Department of Justice Statement
In a statement, Chad Mizelle, acting associate attorney general and the Justice Department’s chief of staff, cited a “disturbing rise of antisemitism at educational institutions in California and nationwide.”
Investigation Scope
The investigation will determine whether UC “engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin against its professors, staff, and other employees by allowing an antisemitic hostile work environment to exist on its campuses,” the department said in a statement.
UC Response
In a statement, a UC spokeswoman said the system was “unwavering” in its stand against anti-Jewish hatred.
Faculty Response
Mary Osako, UCLA’s vice chancellor for strategic communications, said in a statement that the campus “has been and continues to be committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate, which have no place on our campus or anywhere.”
FAQs
What is the purpose of the investigation?
The investigation is to determine whether the University of California has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against Jewish employees based on their race, religion, and national origin.
What is the scope of the investigation?
The investigation will examine whether the University of California has allowed an antisemitic hostile work environment to exist on its campuses.
What is the timeline for the investigation?
The timeline for the investigation is unknown, but the Department of Justice has stated that it will work with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the multi-agency federal antisemitism task force on the investigation.
What is the significance of this investigation?
This investigation is significant because it highlights the Department of Justice’s commitment to combating antisemitism on college campuses and ensuring that Jewish employees have a safe and equitable work environment.
What is the context of this investigation?
The investigation is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address allegations of antisemitism on college campuses.
