The House Committee on Oversight and Reform has launched an investigation into allegations of antisemitism at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The committee has requested documents from UCLA as part of its inquiry into allegations of discrimination and harassment against Jewish students and faculty on campus.
The committee’s investigation comes amid mounting concerns about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses across the United States. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of anti-Jewish incidents at UCLA, including the desecration of Jewish religious symbols, the harassment of Jewish students, and the promotion of anti-Israel propaganda.
In a letter to UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, the committee requested a wide range of documents and information related to the university’s response to antisemitism, including reports of incidents, disciplinary actions taken against students and faculty members, and any efforts to educate the campus community about the importance of religious tolerance.
The committee’s inquiry follows a petition launched by a coalition of Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, calling on UCLA to take stronger action against antisemitism on campus. The petition, which has garnered thousands of signatures, alleges that UCLA has failed to adequately address the problem and create a safe and inclusive environment for Jewish students and faculty.
In a statement, the committee emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of religious freedom and tolerance on college campuses. “Antisemitism has no place in our schools, universities, or society at large,” said Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney. “We have a duty to ensure that all students and faculty, regardless of their faith or background, are able to learn and work in a safe and respectful environment.”
The committee’s investigation into antisemitism at UCLA is part of a broader effort to address discrimination and harassment on college campuses. In recent years, lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at combating antisemitism and other forms of bigotry in higher education, including the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act and the Combating Anti-Semitism Act.
As the committee continues its investigation, Jewish organizations and advocates are calling for stronger action from UCLA and other institutions to combat antisemitism and promote religious tolerance on campus. They are urging universities to take a zero-tolerance approach to hate speech and discrimination, and to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for Jewish students and faculty.
Overall, the committee’s probe into antisemitism at UCLA highlights the importance of addressing discrimination and intolerance in higher education. By holding universities accountable for their response to antisemitism and other forms of bigotry, lawmakers are working to ensure that all students and faculty are able to learn and work in a safe and inclusive environment.