Prosecutors have declined to charge the vast majority of individuals arrested during last spring’s anti-Israel encampment at UCLA, citing the university’s failure to assist in the investigation. Out of over 200 arrests of campus protesters, only two individuals—both counter-protesters—face misdemeanor charges, while a third was referred to informal proceedings.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office stated that “most of these cases were declined for evidentiary reasons or due to a university’s failure or inability to assist in identification or other information needed for prosecution.” This lack of cooperation has drawn criticism from University of California Regent Jay Sures, who remarked, “It’s absolutely pathetic that there’s been no discipline.”
The incident at UCLA is part of a broader trend where radical, often violent, anti-Israel protests on U.S. college campuses go unpunished. Reports indicate that Jewish students at UCLA faced harassment, threats, and assaults during these demonstrations. A federal judge ruled that UCLA must ensure equal access to campus for Jewish students, criticizing the university for allowing protesters to block their movement.
The Department of Justice is investigating the University of California system for potential violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, focusing on whether the university allowed a hostile environment for Jewish students and staff. This federal scrutiny underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for accountability.
