Wednesday, February 25, 2026-The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a high-stakes lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles, escalating a bitter legal battle that has unfolded over the past year.
The civil suit, lodged in federal court, accuses UCLA of allowing a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff, alleging the university failed to prevent and address antisemitic conduct during pro-Palestinian protests and other campus tensions. This legal action comes after months of federal pressure and scrutiny over how the institution handled allegations of discrimination.
The lawsuit marks a shift from previous federal efforts where the Trump administration had demanded that UCLA pay more than $1 billion to settle civil rights investigations and restore suspended grant funding — demands the university rejected, calling them “devastating” and politically motivated.
Federal funding worth hundreds of millions of dollars was cut last year amid disputes over how the campus responded to protests and complaints of antisemitism, though a judge later ordered much of that money restored and blocked the government’s ability to impose the massive fine directly.
Now, rather than seeking a set fine, the Justice Department is pursuing the case as a formal civil rights lawsuit, asking the courts to enforce anti-discrimination protections, mandate remedies, and potentially award damages to affected employees. Federal officials argue that silent acceptance of harassment amounted to systemic discrimination, while UCLA insists it has implemented reforms, strengthened safety measures, and will vigorously defend its policies and practices.
The lawsuit has rapidly become one of the most significant flashpoints in the ongoing debate over campus free speech, federal authority, and how universities manage protests and protect staff.
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