DOJ Files Suit Against University of California for Antisemitic Hostile Work Environment

on February 25, 2026

The Department of Justice is suing the University of California system over alleged discrimination against Jewish and Israeli employees at UCLA involving what the Justice Department called an antisemitic hostile work environment.

The February 24 lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, marks the latest instance of the Trump administration acting against a U.S. university and represents its latest dispute in Democratic-governed California. Trump last year tried to freeze hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds for UCLA over pro-Palestinian protests but a judge directed that those be restored.

Background

After the Hamas-led massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023, antisemitic acts pervaded UCLA. The suit alleges the University engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of Title VII against Jewish and Israeli employees at UCLA by failing to prevent and correct discriminatory and harassing conduct. The suit further alleges the University was negligent because it permitted a hostile work environment against Jewish and Israeli employees.

Jewish and Israeli faculty had been physically threatened, had their classrooms disrupted, and their workplaces papered with disturbing images. Jewish professors have been, and continue to be, subjected to ostracism and harassment by their colleagues and students, while their colleagues and supervisors not only have failed to report those acts as required but have even participated in them. Numerous Jewish and Israeli employees have been forced to take leave, work from home, and even leave their jobs to avoid the hostile work environment.

Professor Ian Holloway filed a charge in November 2024 alleging a hostile work environment based on his religion and national origin. He later amended his charge in April 2025 to include retaliation.

Professor Kamran Shamsa filed a charge in February 2025 alleging a hostile work environment and disparate treatment based on his race, religion, and national origin, as well as retaliation.

“Based on our investigation, UCLA administrators allegedly allowed virulent anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s lawsuit underscores that this Department of Justice stands strong against hate and anti-Semitism in all its vile forms.”

“The litany of vile acts of antisemitism that allegedly took place, and continue to take place, at UCLA are, if found to be true, a mark of shame against the University of California,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will ensure that UCLA maintains an environment for its employees free from antisemitic harassment.”

“UCLA failed to live up to its systemwide commitment to diversity and equal opportunity when it stood by as Jewish employees were subjected to harassment,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “The federal government has an obligation to step in and ensure a discrimination-free environment at our universities.”

The Trump administration has attempted to crack down on universities over pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's assault on Gaza, transgender policies, climate programs and diversity initiatives, leading to concerns over academic freedom, free speech and due process.

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by the Justice Department seeks a court order requiring UCLA, part of the University of California system, to investigate and address antisemitism complaints and provide training on anti-discrimination policies. It also seeks an unspecified amount in monetary damages to go to two UCLA professors who alleged being subjected to antisemitism.