UCLA pays $6.13M to settle antisemitism lawsuit, supports Jewish groups

Understanding the Settlement and Its Implications

The University of California has reached a significant settlement in a high-profile lawsuit that accused UCLA, one of its ten campuses, of enabling antisemitic discrimination during campus protests in 2024. This agreement marks a major step forward in addressing concerns about Jewish safety on university campuses.

The settlement includes approximately $6.13 million in payments, which could have a meaningful impact on Jewish communities. It also involves a permanent court order requiring the university to prevent the exclusion of Jewish students from public spaces. The case, Frankel v. Regents of the University of California, was filed by students and supported by Becket, a religious liberty law firm.

During last year’s pro-Palestinian encampment, the lawsuit alleged that UCLA officials allowed protestors to establish what it called a “Jew Exclusion Zone,” barring Jewish students and faculty from accessing parts of campus, including classrooms and libraries. A federal judge had previously granted preliminary relief, ordering UCLA to ensure the free movement of Jewish students. This week’s agreement makes that injunction permanent.

Yitzchok Frankel, the lead plaintiff and a recent UCLA Law graduate, expressed his disappointment with the university's initial response. He stated that when antisemites were terrorizing Jews and excluding them from campus, UCLA chose to protect the protestors instead. However, he noted that today’s court judgment brings justice back to their campus.

This settlement comes at a time when universities across the country are under increased scrutiny for how they handle campus protests and antisemitism. There is growing pressure from the federal government for institutions to take a stronger stance against such issues. In the aftermath of the UCLA encampment, the university established a task force that acknowledged the institution had allowed antisemitism to fester amid pro-Palestinian protests. Incidents included swastikas drawn inside classrooms, hateful slogans, and assaults on Jewish students and staff that were not adequately addressed by the administration.

Despite this, UCLA initially fought the lawsuit for over a year before eventually conceding to a judgment and settlement. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the terms of the agreement, stating that the injunction and other conditions demonstrate real progress in the fight against antisemitism.

Financial Contributions and Institutional Efforts

As part of the settlement, UCLA will contribute $2.33 million to eight Jewish and antisemitism-focused organizations. These include Hillel at UCLA, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles’s Campus Impact Network. An additional $320,000 will go to UCLA’s Initiative to Combat Antisemitism, a program launched earlier this year by Chancellor Julio Frenk, who is Jewish and assumed his position on January 1.

The total financial outlay, including damages to the plaintiffs and attorney’s fees, makes the deal the largest private settlement in a campus antisemitism case, according to Becket. This follows a similar case at Columbia University, where the school recently agreed to pay more than $200 million in a settlement with the Trump administration over antisemitism allegations.

University of California officials described the agreement as an extension of ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism systemwide. UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly emphasized that antisemitism, harassment, and other forms of intimidation are antithetical to their values. She stated that the settlement reflects a critically important goal shared with the plaintiffs: to foster a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for all.

Reactions and Future Steps

Daniel Gold, executive director of Hillel at UCLA, praised the settlement as a positive move. He acknowledged that there is still much work to be done to build a safer, more welcoming campus free from antisemitic harassment and intimidation. Gold expressed hope for continued collaboration with the university and the UC system to counter antisemitism and bias.

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles also welcomed the outcome, noting that accountability is a vital first step. While no settlement can erase the sense of isolation and fear that many Jewish students continue to feel, the agreement affirms that antisemitism has no place on any campus.

Mark Rienzi, president of Becket, highlighted the legal precedent set by this case. He stated that campus administrators across the country bent the knee to antisemites during the encampments. Now, they are on notice that treating Jews like second-class citizens is wrong, illegal, and very costly.

This settlement represents a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about Jewish safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions in addressing antisemitism. It underscores the importance of vigilance, accountability, and proactive measures to ensure that all students feel welcome and protected on campus.