• The Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into antisemitism claims at the University of California.
• Allegations arise amid increased antisemitic incidents tied to tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the commitment to protecting Jewish Americans' civil rights in educational institutions.

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a civil rights investigation into allegations of antisemitism within the University of California (UC) system, citing a potential pattern of discrimination against Jewish employees. The probe, initiated under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, aims to ascertain whether UC has permitted an antisemitic hostile work environment for its professors, staff, and other employees. This investigation follows an uptick in reports of antisemitism across UC campuses after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to protests that have drawn national attention and scrutiny. A statement from the Justice Department indicated that the investigation will focus on determining if UC allowed a hostile environment that contradicts federal civil rights laws protecting against discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and national origin. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the department's commitment to defending Jewish Americans and eradicating institutional antisemitism within universities across the nation. “This Department of Justice will always defend Jewish Americans, protect civil rights, and leverage our resources to eradicate institutional Antisemitism in our nation’s universities,” she said. Concerns over antisemitism have surged in the wake of campus protests linked to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in response to the war in Gaza. Leo Terrell, acting associate attorney general and a member of the Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, noted that these protests have often led to feelings of unease among Jewish students, with some alleging that words and actions at these protests have contributed to an unsafe atmosphere. The CBS News report mentions incidents where tensions flared during protests at UCLA, underlining the urgency of the investigation. The University of California has stated that it is aware of the Department of Justice’s decision to initiate an investigation and is firmly committed to tackling antisemitism while also protecting the civil rights of every member of its campus community. The university asserts it is taking proactive steps to promote a safe and inclusive environment throughout its various campuses. As this investigation unfolds, it reflects a growing concern over the impact of campus protests on student welfare and the broader implications for civil rights within the educational system. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as new information becomes available. For detailed coverage, visit Los Angeles Times, The Hill, and CBS News.