UCLA Reaches Settlement in Civil Rights Lawsuit Involving Campus Protests
In a significant legal development, the University of California, Los Angeles, has agreed to a $6 million settlement with three Jewish students and a Jewish professor. This resolution follows allegations that the university failed to protect their civil rights during pro-Palestinian protests in 2024 that obstructed their access to campus facilities.
This settlement comes after a landmark preliminary injunction nearly a year ago, marking a rare judicial ruling against a U.S. university for its handling of on-campus demonstrations related to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Initially, UCLA contended it wasn’t legally liable as it wasn’t the direct party blocking access. They did, however, work with law enforcement to prevent further protest encampments.
However, U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi ordered UCLA to develop a protective strategy for Jewish students, prompting the University of California system to establish guidelines for managing campus protests.
FILE – Demonstrators walk in an encampment on the UCLA campus after clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. Jae C. Hong/AP
Criticism mounted on how the university managed the protest dispersal in the spring, which escalated into violence. One evening, counterprotesters attacked the pro-Palestinian encampment with traffic cones and pepper spray, leading to injuries and over 200 arrests the following day after protest orders were defied.
Trump Administration Joins Legal Effort
In a move that brought national attention, the Trump administration supported the lawsuit, launching additional investigations into alleged antisemitism at several universities, including Columbia and UC Berkeley. This involvement saw Columbia University agreeing to a substantial financial settlement to resolve federal discrimination allegations and ensure future compliance.
Findings of Civil Rights Violations
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division announced its conclusion that UCLA breached the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by fostering a hostile environment for Jewish students. “UCLA failed to take timely and appropriate action in response to credible claims of harm and hostility on its campus,” stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon.
In response, UCLA has reiterated its dedication to campus safety, with plans to enhance inclusivity. “Today’s settlement reflects a critically important goal that we share with the plaintiffs: to foster a safe, secure and inclusive environment for all members of our community and ensure that there is no room for antisemitism anywhere on campus,” declared Janet Reilly, Chair of the University of California Board of Regents.
Commitment to Equal Access
As part of the agreement, UCLA is required to guarantee equal access for Jewish students and staff. The settlement funds will cover damages and legal fees, with $2.3 million allocated to organizations combating antisemitism.
Pro-Palestinian Protesters File Counter Lawsuit
Meanwhile, a group of 35 pro-Palestinian activists has initiated legal action against UCLA, claiming insufficient protection during protests. This highlights ongoing tensions, as Jewish students have also joined demonstrations opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The 2014 UCLA protests saw injuries and inadequate responses from authorities, drawing criticism from political figures and advocacy groups.
