Trump Administration Seeks $1 Billion Settlement From UCLA Over Antisemitism Allegations

The Trump administration is demanding that UCLA pay more than $1 billion in a settlement to resolve federal charges of antisemitism and civil rights violations, including a $172 million fund for those affected. This follows an investigation finding that UCLA failed to adequately address severe harassment and discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students, prompting the administration to freeze approximately $584 million in research funding to the university. The proposed settlement includes significant oversight measures, such as appointing a resolution monitor and senior administrator to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws, as well as sweeping policy changes banning race- and ethnicity-based scholarships, overhauling protest policies, and halting gender-affirming care at UCLA's medical facilities. UCLA and the University of California system have expressed concern that the financial demands would devastate the public university system and are currently reviewing the proposal while engaging in negotiations. This proposed deal, if finalized, would represent the largest settlement between the federal government and a higher education institution, with strict ramifications to restore suspended federal funding. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged UCLA not to concede under pressure, differentiating the university's stance from other institutions that have accepted similar settlements.