Case: United States v. Regents of the University of California

2:26-cv-05589 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Filed Date: May 26, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case challenging UCLA’s handling of antisemitism and on-campus protests pressuring the university to divest its investments tied to the Israeli government. On May 26, 2026, the United States filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. They sued the Regents of the University of California, a state-run body that governs the University of California system, including UCLA, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and a connected breach of …

This is a case challenging UCLA’s handling of antisemitism and on-campus protests pressuring the university to divest its investments tied to the Israeli government. On May 26, 2026, the United States filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. They sued the Regents of the University of California, a state-run body that governs the University of California system, including UCLA, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and a connected breach of contract claim. The United States sought a declaratory judgment holding UCLA in violation of Title VI, a permanent injunction preventing UCLA from engaging in discriminatory behavior, affirmative remedial measures, restitution of grant money paid to UCLA during the period of noncompliance, and the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee UCLA’s compliance.

The United States argues that UCLA violated Title VI by being deliberately indifferent to a wave of antisemitism and anti-Israel discrimination on UCLA’s campus. In the wake of the October 7 attacks and the subsequent response by the Israeli military, demonstrations broke out on campus protesting UCLA’s involvement with Israel, particularly their investment in companies providing aid to Israel and its military. At the height of the tensions, students formed an encampment in the center of campus and prevented Jewish and pro-Israeli students from accessing buildings. The United States alleges that UCLA knew of these protests and that the protests violated the University’s time, place, and manner rules, but did not take decisive action to stop them. In addition, they allege that UCLA knew of rampant antisemitic rhetoric and graffiti, but took insufficient action to stop it.

The case was assigned to Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. 

 

Summary Authors

Sam Black (7/21/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73389745/parties/united-states-v-regents-of-the-university-of-california/


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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:26-cv-05589

Complaint

United States of America v. Regents of the University of California

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73389745/united-states-v-regents-of-the-university-of-california/

Last updated July 22, 2026, 3:13 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT No Fee Required - US Government, filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C) (Attorney Joshua Robert Zuckerman added to party United States of America(pty:pla))(Zuckerman, Joshua) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

1 Exhibit A

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit B

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit C

View on PACER

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

Clearinghouse
2

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Zuckerman, Joshua) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

3

NOTICE of Related Case(s) filed by Plaintiff United States of America. Related Case(s): 2:24-cv-04702 (Zuckerman, Joshua) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

4

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Julie Ann Hamill counsel for Plaintiff United States of America. Adding Julie Ann Hamill as counsel of record for United States of America for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attorney Julie Ann Hamill added to party United States of America(pty:pla))(Hamill, Julie) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

5

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Daniel S. Flickinger on behalf of Plaintiff United States of America (Attorney Daniel S. Flickinger added to party United States of America(pty:pla))(Flickinger, Daniel) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

6

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney John P L Mertens counsel for Plaintiff United States of America. Adding John P. Mertens as counsel of record for United States of America for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attorney John P L Mertens added to party United States of America(pty:pla))(Mertens, John) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

7

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Aaron Kollitz counsel for Plaintiff United States of America. Adding AARON KOLLITZ as counsel of record for United States Of America for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff United States Of America. (Attorney Aaron Kollitz added to party United States of America(pty:pla))(Kollitz, Aaron) (Entered: 05/28/2026)

May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026

8

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Plaintiff United States of America. upon Regents of the University of California waiver sent by Plaintiff on 5/28/2026, answer due 7/27/2026. Waiver of Service signed by Natasha Teleanu. (Flickinger, Daniel) (Entered: 05/28/2026)

May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026

9

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Adam J Karr counsel for Defendant Regents of the University of California. Adding Adam Karr as counsel of record for The Regents of the University of California for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendant The Regents of the University of California. (Attorney Adam J Karr added to party Regents of the University of California(pty:dft))(Karr, Adam) (Entered: 05/29/2026)

May 29, 2026

May 29, 2026

10

OBJECTIONS to Notice of Related Case(s) 3 filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 05/29/2026)

May 29, 2026

May 29, 2026

11

NOTICE of Related Case(s) filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. Related Case(s): 2:26-cv-01946 (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 05/29/2026)

May 29, 2026

May 29, 2026

12

OBJECTIONS to Notice of Related Case(s) 11, Objection 10 to Defendant's Objection to Plaintiff's Certification of Related Cases filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Flickinger, Daniel) (Entered: 06/02/2026)

June 2, 2026

June 2, 2026

13

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Dale S. Fischer and Magistrate Judge Daniel S. Roberts. (jp) (Entered: 06/04/2026)

June 4, 2026

June 4, 2026

14

NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (jp) (Entered: 06/04/2026)

June 4, 2026

June 4, 2026

15

Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (jp) (Entered: 06/04/2026)

June 4, 2026

June 4, 2026

16

ORDER RETURNING CASE FOR REASSIGNMENT by Judge Dale S. Fischer. ORDER case returned to the Clerk for random reassignment pursuant to General Order 23-05. Case randomly reassigned from Judge Dale S. Fischer to Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr for all further proceedings. The case number will now reflect the initials of the transferee Judge 2:26-cv-05589-SB-DSRx. (lh) (Entered: 06/05/2026)

June 5, 2026

June 5, 2026

17

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney K. Lee Blalack II to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendant Regents of the University of California (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-42571872) filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 06/17/2026)

June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026

18

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Jennifer B. Sokoler to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendant Regents of the University of California (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-42572056) filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 06/17/2026)

June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026

19

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Natasha W. Teleanu to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendant Regents of the University of California (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-42572195) filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 06/17/2026)

June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026

20

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Meaghan VerGow to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendant Regents of the University of California (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-42572320) filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 06/17/2026)

June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026

21

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Anton Metlitsky to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendant Regents of the University of California (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-42572436) filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 06/17/2026)

June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026

22

(In Chambers) Order by Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr.: The certificates of good standing attached to the application of K. Lee Blalack II to appear pro hac vice (Dkt. No. 17) were issued more than 30 days before the filing of the application. The application is therefore denied without prejudice. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (lfa) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 06/18/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

23

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Lee K. Blalack II to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendant Regents of the University of California (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Previously Paid on 6/17/2026, Receipt No..ACACDC-42571872) filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

24

ORDER by Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. Granting Application of Non-Resident Attorney Jennifer B. Sokoler to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendants Regent of the University of California, designating Adam J. Karr as local counsel 18 . (gk) (Entered: 06/19/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

25

ORDER by Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. Granting Application of Non-Resident Attorney Natasha W. Teleanu to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendants Regent of the University of California, designating Adam J. Karr as local counsel 19 . (gk) (Entered: 06/19/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

26

ORDER by Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. Granting Application of Non-Resident Attorney Meaghan VerGow to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendants Regent of the University of California, designating Adam J. Karr as local counsel 20 . (gk) (Entered: 06/19/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

27

ORDER by Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. Granting Application of Non-Resident Attorney Anton Metlitsky to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendants Regent of the University of California, designating Adam J. Karr as local counsel 21 . (gk) (Entered: 06/19/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

28

ORDER by Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr. Granting Application of Non-Resident Attorney K. Lee Blalack II to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendants Regent of the University of California, designating Adam J. Karr as local counsel 23 . (gk) (Entered: 06/19/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

29

ORDER RE TRANSFER PURSUANT to this Court's General Order in the Matter of Assignment of Cases and Duties to the District Judges. Related Case- filed. Related Case No: 2:26-cv-01946-CAS-ASx. Case transferred from Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Jr and Magistrate Judge Daniel S. Roberts to Judge Christina A. Snyder and Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar for all further proceedings. The case number will now reflect the initials of the transferee Judge 2:26-cv-05589-CAS-ASx. Signed by Judge Christina A. Snyder. (lh) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

July 1, 2026

July 1, 2026

30

NOTICE TO COUNSEL upon filing of the complaint by Judge Christina A. Snyder. (rba) (Entered: 07/01/2026)

July 1, 2026

July 1, 2026

31

EX PARTE APPLICATION for Extension of Time to File Answer or Otherwise Respond to Plaintiff's Complaint filed by Defendant Regents of the University of California. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Natasha W. Teleanu, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Proposed Order) (Karr, Adam) (Entered: 07/15/2026)

July 15, 2026

July 15, 2026

32

Extension of Time to File

July 20, 2026

July 20, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Education

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Title VI Anti-Palestinian/Antisemitism cases

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations By the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 26, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff is the United States of America.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-DOJ federal government plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

School District

Regents of the University of California

Defendant Type(s):

College/University

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.

Other Dockets:

Central District of California 2:26-cv-05589

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

School/University Facilities

School/University policies

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Religion discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Israeli

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation