SWC Applauds Federal Judge’s Ruling Instructing UCLA to Guarantee Jewish Students & Faculty Equal Access to Campus & Facilities; shocked by UCLA’s Appeal of the Ruling

August 16, 2024

The Simon Wiesenthal Center( SWC) loudly applauds the ruling by U.S. Federal District Court Judge Mark Scarsi which demands that UCLA provide a safe place for all students, irrespective of their religious or political beliefs.  

Statement by SWC: “Judge Scarsi’s ruling provides an opportunity for UCLA to regain its leadership position as a preeminent, world-class public university; by protecting equal access and protection for its Jewish students, faculty, and staff – exactly what UCLA should provide for everyone.  In every crisis, there is a defining moment that demonstrates an institution’s heart and soul.  For UCLA, how it responds to this ruling with the start of the school year next month, will be the moment that will define the institution for the long term:  UCLA, it’s time to step up and walk the talk.”

The Simon Wiesenthal Center expressed dismay overUCLA’s decision to appeal the ruling, in which the administration tries to dodge its responsibilities to create a safe environment for all which they failed so dramatically to do in recent months.

“The recent resignation of the President of Columbia University for her failure to protect Jews on campus from pro-Hamas extremists is a reminder that Judge’s Scarsi’sruling is not just about UCLA. It’s about a potential lifeline that a Federal Judge has provided to all elite universities that can help thwart the recurring tsunami of anti-Semitism and extremism that may descend on their campuses. The Judge’s ruling is a clarion call toUniversity Administrations to lead. Let’s hope they all—including UCLA-- choose to lead.”

For further information, please email Michele Alkin, Director of Global Communications at malkin@wiesenthal.com or Erik Simon at esimon@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed. 

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).