Los angeles: The Trump administration has demanded $1 billion from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to resolve allegations of discrimination and antisemitism on campus, offering to restore over $500 million in frozen federal grants in exchange.

According to Anadolu Agency, the proposed settlement, sent to the university on Friday, includes a $172 million claims fund for alleged victims of Title VII violations under the Civil Rights Act. The Justice Department previously suspended $584 million in federal funding after determining UCLA violated the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

The university's President, James Milliken, responded in a statement, emphasizing the financial strain the demand would place on the public university system. Milliken described the demand as "a misuse of tax dollars" that would negatively impact the university's mission of serving students and the public. He also highlighted UCLA's commitment to combating antisemitism through increased security, strengthened policies against hate, and direct engagement with Jewish voices.

California State Senator Ben Allen criticized the administration's move, stating it harms the engines of American power and innovation. The demand follows similar settlements with Ivy League schools Columbia and Brown, which agreed to pay $220 million and $50 million, respectively, in related civil rights investigations.

UCLA previously settled a separate lawsuit last July, paying $6 million over allegations of allowing "Jew Exclusion Zones" during anti-Israel protests, according to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed strong opposition to the administration's demands, vowing to fight against similar outcomes for California.