CAIR-LA Achieves Resolution in Discrimination Complaint Against UCLA Medical School
The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) announced the successful resolution of a federal civil rights complaint against the University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM). The complaint, filed in July 2024, alleged discrimination against a Muslim Palestinian-American medical student during a pediatrics clerkship at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in the fall of 2023.
Background of the Complaint
The student reported experiencing multiple incidents of discrimination based on race, national origin, and religion. After reporting these incidents, the student faced retaliatory actions, including negative evaluations and a failing grade in the pediatrics clerkship.
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Resolution and Institutional Response
In response to the complaint, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reached an agreement with UCLA to address the concerns raised. As part of this agreement, UCLA committed to resolving complaints of national origin bias filed by Palestinian, Arab, and Jewish students. Additionally, the DGSOM agreed to remove the student’s failing grade from their academic record.
Statements from CAIR-LA and the Student
Dina Chehata, Esq., CAIR-LA Civil Rights Managing Attorney, stated:
“In recent months, we have seen a disturbing rise in anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim bias in academic and professional settings. This case represents a crucial step forward in holding institutions accountable for discriminatory conduct and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, are treated with fairness and dignity.”
The student expressed hope that UCLA and the DGSOM will work to eliminate racism and discrimination, stating:
“No one should be silenced, mistreated, or retaliated against for their identity or their advocacy for equal human rights.”
Broader Context
This resolution comes amid a broader examination of discrimination complaints within the University of California system. In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Education announced the resolution of nine federal civil rights complaints involving multiple UC campuses, including UCLA, related to allegations of antisemitism and bias against Muslim, Arab, and pro-Palestinian students. The settlements require these institutions to improve their reporting and review procedures, enhance harassment training for staff and campus police, and reassess complaints from the past two academic years.
About CAIR-LA
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
For more information, please contact:
- Enjy El-Kadi, CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager, (714) 851-4851, [email protected]
- Madi Morse-Hameed, CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator, [email protected]
