UCLA Cultural Affairs Commission Accused of Excluding Jewish Candidates from Hiring Process

The Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), faces serious allegations of discrimination against Jewish students during its hiring process, as outlined in a complaint filed by student Bella Brannon. The complaint claims that Alicia Verdugo, who leads the CAC, expressed a desire to exclude “Zionist” students from hiring deliberations. It further alleges that any applicants who identified as Jewish were automatically rejected regardless of their qualifications or connection to ongoing political issues in the region, such as the situation in Gaza. The complaint underscores a pattern of behavior that appears to institutionalize bias within the hiring processes of the CAC.

UCLA’s CAC is one of the 15 bodies under the Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) and aims to create a diverse and inclusive atmosphere for student engagement. However, Brannon’s claims suggest a contradiction in the CAC’s mission. She points out that a significant number of applicants who did not reference their Jewish identity or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were still rejected, indicating that the committee’s decisions were influenced by prejudice against Jewish applicants. Moreover, Brannon highlights that among the few applicants who were outright rejected, a disproportionate number identified as Jewish, raising concerns that an explicit bias against Jewish identity is embedded within the hiring practices of the CAC.

The internal communication within the CAC reportedly included remarks from Verdugo about the presence of “Zionists” in the applicant pool, along with instructions to investigate applicants further for their political affiliations. This raises alarms about transparency and equality in the hiring process. Brannon’s complaint documents argue that not a single Jewish applicant was ultimately accepted, suggesting systemic discrimination contrary to the purported values of the organization. The CAC’s own guidelines, which claim intolerance for various forms of discrimination, seem to be selectively applied, questioning the integrity of the commission as a representative body for all UCLA students.

Brannon’s application involved a bid to join the CAC’s Hip Hop Congress, a position she believed she was qualified for. Her disappointment reflects a broader issue that Jewish students at UCLA might face: a campus climate where certain identities are marginalized in favor of promoting an inclusive environment for others. Brannon’s rejection serves as a personal anecdote to an ongoing battle for representation and an illustration of how policies meant to champion diversity might unintentionally perpetuate the exclusion of minority groups, including Jewish students.

Verdugo responded to media inquiries by asserting that the CAC champions marginalized populations and does not endorse any form of hateful rhetoric. This statement appears to undermine the seriousness of Brannon’s complaints, which aim to illustrate the struggles faced by Jewish students that stem from a growing culture of intolerance. Brannon insists that her complaint is not about the geopolitical complexities of Israel and Palestine but rather about the fundamental principle of equal treatment within the university. Her assertions invite a re-examination of the dynamics between activism for various communities and the rights of student groups that may be affected by those actions.

Following the filing of the complaint, the UCLA Undergraduate Students Association Judicial Board agreed to entertain Brannon’s allegations against Verdugo and is set to conduct a preliminary hearing. This development signifies a potential for institutional accountability at UCLA, encouraging Jewish students who feel marginalized to voice their grievances. Brannon’s advocacy not only serves her interests but also seeks to ensure that all identities are respected and considered within the university sphere. By channeling her concerns through official channels, Brannon aims to foster an environment where inclusivity does not undermine fairness and equity for every student on campus, highlighting the importance of vigilance against any form of discrimination.