Federal gov probing if University of California abided ‘antisemitic hostile work environment’

“The investigation will assess whether University of California has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, religion and national origin against its professors, staff and other employees by allowing an antisemitic hostile work environment to exist on its campuses,” the department stated.

“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,” stated Pam Bondi, the U.S. attorney general.

Leo Terrell, senior counsel to the assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights and a member of the task force, stated that after Oct. 7, “there has been an outbreak of antisemitic incidents at leading institutions of higher education in America, including at my own alma mater at the UCLA campus of University of California.”

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

Stett Holbrook, a communications strategist in the office of the University of California president, told JNS that the public school system was notified “recently” about the federal government’s “decision to initiate a civil rights investigation in the University of California system.”

“We want to be clear. The University of California is unwavering in its commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting everyone’s civil rights,” Holborok said. “We continue to take specific steps to foster an environment free of harassment and discrimination for everyone in the university community.”