Federal Judge Bars UCLA From Allowing Protests That Block Access For Jewish Students

A federal judge has decreed that the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) cannot let protesters obstruct Jewish students' access to campus facilities

such as libraries and classrooms. This decision stemmed from a lawsuit filed by three Jewish students concerning spring protests related to Israel's military actions in Gaza. The protests led to over 200 arrests after escalating tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators resulted in violence.

Campuses used as Protest Sites

During these protests, pro-Palestinian demonstrators erected an encampment using plywood and metal barricades in a prominent area, restricting access to individuals supportive of Israel's existence. The encampment included checkpoints that required passersby to wear specific wristbands for entry, effectively barring pro-Israel supporters from freely accessing significant wings of the campus. Judge Mark C. Scarsi, in his preliminary injunction order, highlighted that such actions violated constitutional protections for religious freedom.

The judge's ruling emphasizes the importance of maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for all students, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

This decision seeks to ensure that campus facilities remain equally accessible to all students, irrespective of their religious or political affiliations, in alignment with constitutional protections for religious freedom.