Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
The Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism has announced that the Justice Department filed a statement of interest in Los Angeles federal court. This move aims to clarify the interpretation of federal laws that prohibit discrimination against students based on religion or national origin at colleges and universities.
This filing is part of the Task Force's broader efforts to address antisemitism nationwide. The case, Frankel et al. v. Regents of the University of California et al., alleges that in spring 2024, University of California administrators allowed protestors to block UCLA students and faculty from accessing campus areas if they wore symbols of their Jewish faith or refused to denounce Israel.
Jewish students and a professor at UCLA claim that university officials knowingly collaborated with or permitted protestors to restrict access based on Jewish faith or national origin. They argue this violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, and California state law. The Justice Department's statement addresses whether these claims sufficiently allege violations by university administrators.
Recently, a multi-agency task force coordinated by the Civil Rights Division was formed to combat antisemitism and is visiting ten university campuses with reported antisemitic incidents. Additionally, an investigation into whether the University of California system engaged in discriminatory practices is underway.
The Task Force also revealed plans to cancel $400 million in federal contracts and grants to Columbia University due to its inadequate response to harassment faced by Jewish students.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally stated, “Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in our community.” He emphasized enforcing anti-discrimination laws against antisemitism. Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel for Civil Rights, added that combating antisemitism is a priority for President Biden and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Representing the United States are Assistant United States Attorney Katherine M. Hikida from the Civil Division’s Civil Rights Section along with Senior Trial Attorneys Peter W. Beauchamp and Laura C. Tayloe from the Justice Department’s Educational Opportunities Section.
For more information about civil rights enforcement or reporting violations, visit www.justice.gov/crt or call (800) 253-3931.
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