UCLA Settles Civil Rights Lawsuit Over Campus Protests
UCLA settled a $6 million lawsuit with Jewish students and a professor who claimed the university violated their civil rights when pro-Palestinian protesters blocked access to classes. The settlement follows a judge's order and a DOJ investigation, highlighting the case's significance for campus protests nationwide.
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The University of California, Los Angeles, has reached a $6 million settlement with three Jewish students and a Jewish professor. Their lawsuit alleged the university violated their civil rights by permitting pro-Palestinian protestors to obstruct their access to classrooms and other campus facilities during 2024 demonstrations.
This settlement follows a groundbreaking preliminary injunction, marking the first instance where a U.S. judge has ruled against a university's handling of protests concerning Israel's conflict in Gaza. While UCLA argued it bore no legal responsibility, the court ordered measures to safeguard Jewish students, prompting the university to establish new protest guidelines.
The DOJ found UCLA in violation of civil rights laws for not addressing a hostile environment. The Trump administration joined the lawsuit, influencing other universities, while Columbia University faced a $200 million settlement for similar allegations. UCLA is committed to ensuring a non-hostile environment for all, inclusive of Jewish students.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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