The University of California Board of Regents convened on November 14, 2024, to address pressing issues surrounding antisemitism and campus safety, following a report detailing extensive antisemitic incidents affecting Jewish students, faculty, and staff at UCLA. The meeting highlighted a collective commitment to restoring a safe learning environment and ensuring accountability within the university community.

Regent Lee opened the discussion by expressing deep concern over the findings of the report, which indicated that nearly 70% of respondents felt that recent campus encampments contributed to an atmosphere of antisemitism. He commended the task force led by Dr. Stuart Gabriel for its thorough investigation, which included input from 428 members of UCLA's Jewish community. Lee emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent such incidents from recurring, stating, "We need to take stock and do everything in our power to restore our campuses to safe and sane places."

The report also revealed alarming statistics regarding faculty behavior, with many students reporting offensive comments made by teaching assistants. Lee criticized the academic senate for failing to hold faculty accountable for violations of the faculty code of conduct, noting that no disciplinary actions were taken despite documented incidents. He called for an overhaul of the reporting system to ensure that complaints are addressed effectively and promptly.

Lieutenant Governor Kunlakas echoed these sentiments, reflecting on her experiences combating antisemitism during her tenure as a U.S. ambassador. She highlighted the unique challenges posed by the current geopolitical climate, which has exacerbated divisions on campus. Kunlakas stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights and safety of all students, particularly those feeling targeted due to their ethnicity or faith.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among the Regents to enhance training and education within the university community, improve reporting mechanisms, and uphold the principles of shared governance. The Regents recognized that addressing these issues is not merely a response to the report but a vital step toward fostering a more inclusive and respectful campus environment.