Federal Judge Rules UCLA Must Ensure Access for Jewish Students Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests
LOS ANGELES — A federal judge has ruled that the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) must prevent pro-Palestinian protesters from blocking Jewish students from accessing classes and campus facilities.
This preliminary injunction is significant as it marks a landmark decision against a university in relation to campus demonstrations connected to the Israel-Hamas war.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi, followed a lawsuit filed by three Jewish students who claimed they faced discrimination during protests and that UCLA failed to protect their access to the campus.
Judge Scarsi highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “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.”
UCLA contended that it had no legal obligations regarding the protesters blocking student access, asserting it collaborated with law enforcement to prevent further disruption.
However, Judge Scarsi ruled that the university cannot facilitate classes or access to campus buildings if Jewish students are being obstructed.
Yitzchok Frankel, a law student involved in the lawsuit, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing that “No student should ever be blocked from their campus because they are Jewish.” He urged for an end to such discrimination against Jewish students.
UCLA has not provided immediate comment following the ruling.
This decision follows a previous directive from Judge Scarsi for UCLA to devise a plan ensuring the safety and access of Jewish students last month.
The protests at UCLA are part of a broader movement on university campuses nationwide opposing the Israel-Hamas conflict. In May, law enforcement had to intervene when over a thousand protesters clashed on campus, leading to injuries and arrests as tensions escalated.
