A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against UCLA, prohibiting the university from allowing protesters to bar Jewish students from accessing classes and campus facilities.
The ruling came in response to a complaint filed by three Jewish students in June, claiming UCLA had become a “hotbed of antisemitism” following the Israel-Hamas conflict and failed to ensure the safety and full access for Jewish students.
The backstory: Protests erupted on campus in April-May, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators establishing an encampment and setting up barricades, creating what was referred to as a “Jew Exclusion Zone,” according to the lawsuit.
- The complaint alleged that in order to pass through this exclusion zone, individuals had to pledge allegiance to the protesters’ views.
- Those who supported Israel were effectively barred access to campus by being denied a wristband.
The big picture: Judge Mark C. Scarsi sided with the Jewish students, stating that excluding them based on their faith was abhorrent and a violation of religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
- The judge’s ruling dictates that UCLA must ensure equal access to all programs, activities, and campus areas for all students, regardless of their beliefs.
- UCLA is required to provide full and equal access to all students without discrimination based on religious beliefs, particularly concerning the Jewish state of Israel.
- Despite UCLA’s remedial actions, such as the establishment of a new Office of Campus Safety, the judge expressed concern that similar incidents may occur in the future.
