Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Court orders UCLA to protect Jewish students
A federal judge has ordered the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to create a plan to protect Jewish students following pro-Palestinian protests that erupted on campus in recent months, the Associated Press reports.
The ruling comes after three Jewish students sued UCLA in June, alleging discrimination amid demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war. Yitzchok Frankel, a UCLA law student, stated in the lawsuit that he declined an invitation from the director of student life to help host a lunch gathering due to safety concerns.
"Under ordinary circumstances, I would have leapt at the chance to participate in this event," Frankel said. "My Jewish identity and religion are integral to who I am, and I believe it is important to mentor incoming students and encourage them to be proud of their Judaism, too."
The lawsuit alleged discrimination during pro-Palestinian protests, which included the establishment of a "Jew-free zone." Frankel argued that UCLA failed to foster a safe environment for Jewish students on campus. The university has been directed to submit a proposed plan by next month, according to AP.
UCLA spokesperson Mary Osako responded to the ruling, stating, "We are committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive campus, holding those who engaged in violence accountable, and combatting antisemitism in all forms." Osako added, "We have applied lessons learned from this spring's protests and continue to work to foster a campus culture where everyone feels welcome and free from intimidation, discrimination, and harassment."
The demonstrations at UCLA were part of a broader movement across US campuses protesting the Israel-Hamas war. In May, law enforcement ordered over a thousand protesters to dismantle their encampment as tensions escalated. Counter-demonstrators had attacked the encampment overnight, resulting in at least 15 protesters suffering injuries. Subsequently, in June, dozens of protesters were arrested after attempting to establish a new encampment on campus.
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