June 16, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

DOJ to Investigate University of California Over Alleged Antisemitic Work Environment

Federal Probe to Examine Claims of Workplace Discrimination and Hostile Conditions

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a civil rights investigation into the University of California (UC) system, examining whether the university has allowed a hostile work environment for Jewish faculty and staff, federal officials announced on Wednesday. 

The probe, conducted under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, will determine whether UC engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin by permitting an antisemitic workplace culture on its campuses and is the fourth such announcement about the subject this week. 

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to ensuring civil rights protections for Jewish employees at UC institutions. “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,” Bondi stated.

Acting Associate Attorney General and DOJ Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle also highlighted concerns over a rise in antisemitism at educational institutions across the country.

“Our country has witnessed a disturbing rise of antisemitism at educational institutions in California and nationwide,” Mizelle said. “The DOJ is committed to upholding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and protecting Jewish Americans as we investigate this potential pattern of discrimination.”

According to Senior Counsel Leo Terrell, a key member of the Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, the investigation follows a significant increase in antisemitic incidents at leading universities after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks in Israel.

“The impact upon UC students has been the subject of considerable media attention and multiple federal investigations,” said Terrell, a UCLA alumnus. “But these campuses are also workplaces, and Jewish faculty and staff employed there deserve a working environment free of antisemitic hostility and hate.”

The investigation marks the latest in a series of federal actions targeting antisemitism in academia. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the DOJ has the authority to initiate investigations into state and local government employers, including public universities, if there is reason to believe there is a pattern of employment discrimination.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will collaborate with the DOJ in the investigation. “The EEOC is committed to partnering with the Department of Justice to stamp out the scourge of antisemitism in campus workplaces,” said EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas.

in NEWS
Related Posts

Tribeca Premiere Honors Carl Bean, Musician, Activist and LGBTQ+ Faith Leader

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

New Doc Features Interviews With Lady Gaga, Billy Porter, and Dionne Warwick The life and legacy of Archbishop Carl Bean,...

Americans Split on Immigration and Tariffs’ Impact on Housing Affordability, Survey Shows

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

Survey Finds Over Half Believe Less Immigration Could Drive Up Home Prices  A new Redfin-commissioned survey reveals that U.S. homeowners...

Two Suspects Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of Elderly Man in Hancock Park

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

LAPD and FBI Apprehend Palmdale Pair Accused of Killing 84-Year-Old LAPD West Bureau Homicide has arrested two suspects in connection...

Senator Alex Padilla Forcibly Removed, Handcuffed at DHS Press Briefing in Los Angeles

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Security or Censorship? Padilla Removed After Questioning Secretary Kristi Noem U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed Thursday during...

CHLA to Shut Down Transyouth Health Center Amid Rising Political and Legal Pressure

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Cites Insurmountable Legal and Financial Barriers After more than three decades of providing specialized, affirming care...

Federal Court Halts Order Requiring Trump to Return Control of California Guard to Governor Newsom

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Court Showdown Looms Over Trump’s Federalization of State Troops Late Thursday, a federal appeals court paused enforcement of a lower...

‘No Kings: National Day of Defiance’ Protest in LA to Run Counter to Donald Trump’s Birthday Military Parade

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Giant Trump Balloons, Pride Flags, and Community Speakers Will Fill the Streets on Flag Day Thousands of demonstrators are expected...

(Video) Senator Alex Padilla Being Forcibly Removed at Secretary Kristi Noem’s DHS Press Conference for Attempting to Ask Questions

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

In a disturbing and unprecedented move, FBI agents grabbed the sitting California Senator, dragged him out of the room, and...

Drag Queens Steal the Spotlight as Trump Booed at Kennedy Center

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

While Trump Takes a Seat, Drag Queens Take a Stand in DC President Donald Trump’s appearance at the Kennedy Center...

World-Class Chefs and Local Farms Bring Culinary Magic to Santa Monica This June

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

3 Nights, 3 Unforgettable Dinners: Santa Monica’s Michelin + Farm Feast Series A trio of exclusive culinary events is set...

Immigrant Opened Her Doors to Injured Deputies and Demonstrators Offering Water, Aid, and Compassion

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Salvadoran Restaurant Becomes Unexpected Refuge During L.A. Immigration Protest As immigration protests swept through parts of Los Angeles County over...

Mastro’s Malibu Reopens With Ocean Views, Signature Steaks, and Nearly Entire Staff Intact

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Iconic Oceanfront Steakhouse Returns With Its Beloved Butter Cake, Nightly Live Music, and Sunset Glamour After a five-month closure due...

Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken Serve Up Pride Month Specials That Give Back

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Limited-Time Food, Cocktail Offerings at Socalo and Alice B. Support LGBTQ+ Centers In honor of Pride Month, acclaimed chefs Susan...

Traffic Advisory: Street Improvements Underway This Week in West Hollywood

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Resurfacing Project Ends June 12, With Temporary Parking Restrictions  Roadway improvements are underway this week as the City of West...

Judge Denies Newsom’s Bid to Halt Military Expansion in L.A. Amid Immigration Raids

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

California’s Emergency TRO Blocked as Marines Await Domestic Use-of-Force Training  Efforts by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob...