Federal authorities have added UC Berkeley to the growing list of colleges under investigation for alleged discrimination since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. The investigation was launched on March 5 after protesters forcefully shut down an event organized by Jewish student groups in February.

The university's campus police initiated their own investigation, as announced by Chancellor Carol Christ on March 4. The goal is to gather a complete understanding of the events that transpired and hold accountable those responsible for any violations of the law or university policies.

The incident occurred on February 26 when approximately 200 protestors gathered outside the Zellerbach Playhouse on campus. Their signs read "Stop the genocide" and they chanted slogans such as "Long live the intifada." The protest targeted the scheduled speaker, Ran Bar-Yoshafat, an Israeli attorney and former member of the Israeli military.

The demonstration escalated and UC Berkeley police had to evacuate the event due to the protestors breaking open a door and shattering a window. Following the protest, the university issued a statement expressing dismay over the disturbance while reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression and the First Amendment.

In the weeks that followed, reports emerged of overtly antisemitic expressions directed towards Jewish students who organized the event and attendees. Campus police are treating these allegations as hate crimes and are also investigating other reports of illegal conduct, including physical battery.

The university is actively conducting interviews and reviewing video evidence to gather more information about the incident. Chancellor Christ emphasized that the university is also re-evaluating and modifying its security preparations to address the tensions surrounding issues that connect to the identities of its campus communities.

While the U.S. Department of Education has opened civil rights investigations into other California campuses, including UCLA, UC San Diego, Stanford, San Diego, and Santa Monica College, it remains unclear whether they are related to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The department's investigations fall under the alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.

UC Berkeley officials urge anyone with information regarding the February 26 incident to contact the campus police department by calling (510) 642-6760.

As the investigation progresses, UC Berkeley finds itself embroiled in a broader conversation about discrimination and bias on college campuses. The university remains committed to upholding the principles of free expression while ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and staff.