UCLA Faces Lawsuit Over Censorship and Free Speech Violations.
UCLA is facing a lawsuit from Jewish students and the conservative group Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) over allegations that the university censored free speech and yielded to mob rule. The legal action highlights concerns over the suppression of conservative viewpoints, particularly in response to pro-Hamas protests and the university’s blocking of a pro-Israel speech by Robert Spencer, editor of Jihad Watch.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, claims UCLA violated the First Amendment by obstructing Spencer’s planned speech on May 15 titled "Why Everything You Know About Palestine is Wrong." The event was scheduled by YAF, but UCLA administrators took multiple actions to prevent it from taking place, citing security concerns related to protests from pro-Hamas groups.
The complaint outlines a series of bureaucratic delays, including denial of event permissions and last-minute venue changes, which led to the cancellation of the speech. The university is accused of giving in to the demands of protestors, granting them a "heckler's veto" and allowing them to disrupt the event. UCLA’s actions are seen as an infringement on the free speech rights of students and faculty.
James Kerwin, an attorney for the plaintiffs, criticized UCLA’s approach, stating that universities should foster environments of open inquiry, not succumb to authoritarian tactics that silence opposing views. He argued that the case is part of a broader struggle for free speech on college campuses, particularly public institutions like UCLA, which are funded by taxpayer dollars.
The lawsuit also raises concerns about new university policies, enacted in September, that restrict the number of conservative events due to increased security costs for events deemed "Major Events." These policies are seen as a way to limit conservative voices while allowing left-wing speakers to go unchallenged, further contributing to the stifling of free speech.
The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction to prevent UCLA from enforcing these new policies and to ensure that conservative students can host speakers without interference or undue financial burden.
UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) is a public research university located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1919, it is the second-oldest campus in the University of California system. UCLA is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and influential research across a range of fields, including science, technology, the arts, and humanities. It consistently ranks among the top universities in the world and is known for its prestigious programs in engineering, business, law, medicine, and the arts. UCLA is also famous for its athletic teams, known as the Bruins, and has a rich tradition of success in sports, particularly basketball. With a vibrant campus culture, a commitment to public service, and a significant global impact, UCLA remains a leading institution of higher learning.
