UCLA, Jewish Students Reach $6M Deal Over Campus Protests

UCLA, Jewish Students Reach $6M Deal Over Campus Protests

Introduction

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has agreed to a $6.13 million settlement with three Jewish students and a Jewish professor who alleged the school violated their civil rights. Their lawsuit claimed the university failed to protect them during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2024, when protesters blocked access to classes and other campus facilities. The settlement covers damages, legal fees, and includes funding for organizations combating antisemitism.

Landmark Legal Action Against a University

This resolution comes nearly a year after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against UCLA. That ruling marked the first time a U.S. court held a university accountable for its handling of on-campus protests tied to Israel’s war in Gaza. The decision required UCLA to develop measures safeguarding Jewish students, highlighting broader concerns about campus safety during heated political demonstrations.

UCLA’s Initial Defense and Court’s Response

At the outset, UCLA argued it bore no legal responsibility because it was the protesters, not the institution, that blocked access. The university emphasized its cooperation with law enforcement to prevent new encampments. However, the federal judge disagreed, ruling UCLA must actively ensure student safety and access, regardless of who instigated the disruptions.

Systemwide Guidelines on Campus Protests

Following the ruling, the University of California system implemented new guidelines governing demonstrations across its campuses. These measures aim to balance free speech with student access and safety. Still, UCLA’s response to protests, particularly how it dispersed encampments, drew significant criticism.

Violent Night at the Encampment

One of the most controversial moments occurred when counterprotesters attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment. They hurled traffic cones, used pepper spray, and engaged in violent clashes that lasted for hours, injuring more than a dozen people before police intervened. The following day, when protesters ignored orders to vacate, more than 200 individuals were arrested, intensifying debate over UCLA’s handling of the situation.

Federal Government Joins the Case

In March, the Trump administration formally joined the lawsuit brought by the Jewish plaintiffs. At the same time, federal investigators expanded inquiries into alleged antisemitism at other campuses, including Columbia University, UC Berkeley, the University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, and Portland State University.

Columbia’s $200 Million Settlement Sets Precedent

Just last week, Columbia University reached a $200 million settlement with federal authorities to resolve accusations of violating federal anti-discrimination laws. That deal also restored more than $400 million in research funding. The administration signaled that the Columbia agreement would serve as a template for other schools, with substantial financial penalties expected in future settlements.

Justice Department Findings Against UCLA

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division concluded UCLA had violated both the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Federal officials determined the university acted with “deliberate indifference,” thereby fostering a hostile educational environment for Jewish and Israeli students. Assistant Attorney General officials emphasized UCLA’s failure to act promptly despite credible reports of harm and hostility.

University’s Commitment and Settlement Terms

UCLA officials stated that they remain committed to ensuring student safety and addressing antisemitism. The University of California Board of Regents stressed the settlement reflects a shared goal of creating a secure, inclusive environment where antisemitism has no place. Under the terms, UCLA must guarantee Jewish students, faculty, and staff are not excluded from any part of campus life. Roughly $2.3 million of the settlement will support eight nonprofit organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism.

Other Pending Lawsuits Against UCLA

While this case reached resolution, UCLA now faces a separate lawsuit from 35 pro-Palestinian students, faculty, journalists, and legal observers. That group alleges the university failed to protect them during the same wave of protests, highlighting the complexity of balancing free expression, campus safety, and competing civil rights claims.

Broader Context of Campus Protests

The UCLA unrest was part of a larger wave of campus demonstrations nationwide, reflecting tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza. Some Jewish students also participated in protests criticizing Israeli policies, underscoring diverse perspectives within the community. During UCLA’s 2024 protests, at least 15 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were injured, and critics—including Muslim advocacy groups—condemned what they described as a weak and delayed response by university authorities.