A UCLA computer science student, Dylan Kupsh, has filed a lawsuit against the University of California. He seeks to overturn a two-quarter suspension and obtain a withheld master’s degree. This situation provides insight into the student discipline process at universities.
Background of the Case
The dispute originates from pro-Palestinian protests at UCLA in 2024. These demonstrations led to campus unrest and drew criticism from the Trump administration concerning antisemitism handling at universities. Protesters pushed for divestment from companies linked to the Israeli military. Some Jewish students labeled the protests as antisemitic, while others participated.
Kupsh, 27, was a visible protester, openly opposing the administration and publicly discussing the disciplinary actions against him. He filed a civil lawsuit against the UC Board of Regents and UCLA officials, alleging viewpoint discrimination and due process violations.
Protest Involvement and Charges
Kupsh’s involvement in protests dates back to a spring 2024 encampment that restricted campus access for some students, leading to a settlement and setting up a Justice Department lawsuit. His disciplinary issues stem from subsequent protests, resulting in 14 citations for disrupting campus events. These citations were modified, with the latest changes occurring in April 2026.
Despite being arrested at a 2024 protest, Kupsh faced no criminal charges. However, campus police recommended disciplinary action, leading to his suspension. Emails revealed in the lawsuit show UCLA officers labeling Kupsh a prominent protest organizer.
Disciplinary Actions
In June 2025, UCLA imposed an interim suspension, barring Kupsh from campus access during the investigation, which ended in March 2026. He claims he was not informed of evidence against him before this suspension. He faced new charges related to a May 2025 protest, including disorderly conduct.
The university proceedings, conducted privately, concluded with Kupsh being held responsible for only two violations. He acknowledged attending protests but denied organizing them. His suspension prevents attending classes and teaching until December 2026. His master’s degree submission from December 2024 remains unprocessed, and he cannot resume his doctorate without reapplying.
Legal Claims and Consequences
Kupsh’s lawsuit claims his punishment jeopardizes his educational future and financial prospects, reflected in lost wages exceeding $17,000. He seeks damages, including punitive measures against UCLA staff and legal fees.
Campus-Wide Discipline Statistics
Overall, UC schools issued over 14,000 sanctions in 2023-24, with suspensions being rare. Most cases ended with mild penalties like warnings or counseling. The 2024 protests resulted in a significant number of disciplinary proceedings. UC’s response to protests included strict enforcement of rules, leading to fewer demonstrations.
UCLA faced severe consequences, including financial penalties and federal investigations, due to its handling of protests. Opinions vary on whether the university’s actions hinder or protect free speech.
Responses from University and Advocacy Groups
Jewish community groups have expressed varying views on how UCLA addresses anti-Israel protests and bias. The AMCHA Initiative advocates for stricter measures against activists, while others call for academic freedom. Kupsh and pro-Palestinian groups reject the antisemitism accusations.
Kupsh stated he pursued legal action to reclaim his academic rights: “I want to attain a PhD, and UCLA is trying to take that away from me.”
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