A federal judge ruled Tuesday, Aug. 13, that the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), cannot allow protesters to block Jewish students from certain parts of campus and must ensure equal campus access. UCLA is expected to appeal the ruling to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
“In the year 2024, in the United States of America, in the state of California, in the city of Los Angeles, Jewish students were excluded from portions of the UCLA campus because they refused to denounce their faith,” U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi wrote, describing the situation as “unimaginable” and “abhorrent.”
In June, three Jewish students filed suit against UCLA. The lawsuit alleged discrimination on campus during pro-Palestinian protests when protesters blocked them from accessing classes, buildings and services. The suit claimed UCLA failed to ensure access for all Jewish students.
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UCLA argued it has no legal responsibility because protesters, not administrators or staff, are the ones who blocked the Jewish students.
Judge Scarsi issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the Jewish students, condemning their exclusion from areas on UCLA’s campus as a violation of religious freedom.
Judge Scarsi ordered UCLA to ensure access for Jewish students to all campus facilities or else cancel all activities and face potential shutdowns.
Classes at UCLA resume in September.
