The Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism will visit the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC) to investigate allegations of antisemitism on campus. These visits follow a series of protests related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which occurred in the spring of 2024. The protests, which involved pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups, sometimes turned violent, leading to increased scrutiny of campus environments.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the task force’s mandate is to ensure that Jewish students and faculty are protected from unlawful discrimination. Leo Terrell, a member of the task force, stated, “The President, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and the entire administration are committed to ensuring that no one should feel unsafe or unwelcome on campus because of their religion.”
The task force will meet with university leaders, students, staff, law enforcement, and community members to determine if remedial action is necessary. Both universities have expressed their commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring a safe environment for all students. USC stated that it is proud to enroll one of the largest Jewish student bodies in the country and looks forward to discussing its efforts with the Department of Justice.
The exact dates for these visits have not been announced. The task force will also visit other universities across the United States, including Columbia, George Washington, and Harvard, as part of a broader investigation into antisemitic incidents.
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