Read the Roadmap: Initiative to Combat Antisemitism
Chancellor Julio Frenk shared this message with the Bruin community.
Dear Bruin Community:
At UCLA, we are committed to ensuring that every member of our community can learn, teach, work and thrive in an environment defined by dignity and respect. Shortly after my arrival at UCLA, I announced the Initiative to Combat Antisemitism, focused on addressing antisemitism and all forms of hatred and bigotry across our campus, and building on the recommendations of the Task Force to Combat Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias.
Under the leadership of Distinguished Professor Stuart Gabriel, an action group of Bruin community and civic leaders from diverse backgrounds, faiths and perspectives translated the task force’s recommendations into actions. Today, I want to highlight the actions we have taken thus far and to share the full report from the action group. It reflects months of engagement and implementation and provides a clear path forward to continue this important work.
The report is organized around three guiding pillars.
Pillar 1: Enhance Training and Education
Strengthening education is essential to prevent antisemitism and other forms of bias. In response, the action group, in collaboration with several UCLA offices, has expanded training and educational efforts across the university to deepen understanding of antisemitism and its history and impact. These efforts go beyond general awareness and are designed to foster a more informed and engaged community, including enhanced orientation programs and training for students, faculty and staff.
Pillar 2: Improve the Discrimination Reporting System
Members of the action group found that systems for reporting discrimination must be more clear, accessible and consistent. UCLA has already taken important steps to improve these systems, including the overhaul of the Civil Rights Office to ensure effective data collection, reporting of discrimination and complaint resolution. UCLA has also appointed a dedicated Title VI officer to strengthen the oversight and coordination of these efforts. Together, these changes strengthen UCLA’s ability to receive, review and respond to concerns more quickly and transparently, and to ensure accountability across the university.
Pillar 3: Assure Enforcement of Rules, Policies, and Laws
The action group emphasizes that clear rules must be consistently enforced. UCLA has already recruited an associate vice chancellor for campus and community safety and strengthened its Time, Place and Manner policies. The action group also reviewed relevant policies and legal requirements to ensure compliance and to support a safe, inclusive environment for all members of our community. These steps reinforce our commitment to maintaining a campus grounded in fairness and the rule of law.
Together, these three pillars reflect meaningful progress and reinforce a broader goal: improving the living, learning and working environment at UCLA for everyone. This work aligns with the mission of UCLA Connects to build bridges with both our internal and external communities.
I am deeply grateful to the members of the action group for their careful work and sustained commitment, as well as to the many faculty, staff, students and community members who contributed their perspectives and informed this report.
We recognize that this work is ongoing. There is much more to be done, and we remain committed to advancing these efforts with care, accountability and resolve. We encourage you to read the full report to learn more about the work that has been accomplished and the path ahead. We have working groups that are partnering closely with senior leadership, as well as leaders who oversee the appropriate units of the university, and they have been tasked with the implementation of the newer recommendations.
Finally, I want to share some encouraging news. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently released its report card on campus antisemitism, upgrading UCLA’s score this year. This external evaluation carried out by ADL recognizes the many efforts and actions we have taken, especially since my arrival at UCLA in January of 2025, to strengthen policy enforcement and promote a welcoming campus environment. But we know that the work is not complete and that there is always room for improvement.
A university’s strength lies in its people. Ensuring their safety, dignity and full inclusion is essential to who we are and what we aspire to be. By continuing this work together, we will strengthen UCLA and uphold the values that define our community.
We are One UCLA.
Julio Frenk
Chancellor