CSU Faculty Sue Over Privacy Breach in Antisemitism Probe

URGENT UPDATE: The California Faculty Association has filed a lawsuit against the California State University (CSU) system after it disclosed the personal information of 2,600 Los Angeles campus employees to the federal government. This revelation comes amid a federal investigation into alleged antisemitism at CSU Los Angeles, igniting widespread concern over privacy rights and academic freedom.

The lawsuit, lodged last week, seeks to prevent CSU administrators from sharing any faculty members’ personal details without prior notification and the opportunity for employees to object. The controversy erupted after CSU Los Angeles complied with a subpoena from the Trump administration, demanding personal phone numbers and email addresses as part of a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation into antisemitism on campus.

“CSU leadership is out of step with most Californians,” stated Margarita Berta-Ávila, the president of the California Faculty Association and a professor at Sacramento State. “While California leads the fight against harassment of educators and vulnerable communities, CSU capitulated to the Trump Administration’s witch hunt without resistance.”

This investigation stems from heightened tensions surrounding student protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza, which intensified after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. CSU Los Angeles had previously hosted a Gaza Solidarity Encampment, and reports indicate a discrimination complaint was filed in 2024 concerning the university’s handling of these protests.

In a statement issued on Thursday, CSU officials acknowledged the lawsuit and emphasized their commitment to employee privacy, while also asserting their legal obligation to comply with federal law. “Failure to comply could lead to federal court enforcement and sanctions,” the university system cautioned.

Under the terms of the subpoena, CSU Los Angeles was required to provide sensitive employee information, including names, gender, race/ethnicity, position title, work site, and personal contact details. CSU stated that it had initially withheld this information until compelled by a lawful subpoena and had even attempted to modify the subpoena to protect employee privacy.

This lawsuit follows a similar situation at the University of California, where the administration revealed the names of hundreds of faculty members and students to the Trump administration as part of an antisemitism inquiry, prompting outrage and demands for accountability from state leaders.

Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized the Trump administration’s actions as “extortion” and is reviewing CSU’s compliance with the federal request. Newsom has also initiated an independent review into the data release from UC leaders, indicating the state’s commitment to protecting university faculty rights.

As this situation develops, the implications for faculty privacy and academic freedom remain significant. The outcome of the lawsuit could set important precedents regarding the handling of personal information in response to federal inquiries.

The California Faculty Association’s fight highlights an urgent need for clarity on the balance between legal compliance and the protection of individual rights within public institutions. The CSU system is currently reviewing the lawsuit’s claims and is expected to take further action to maintain compliance with both state and federal laws while ensuring the privacy of its faculty and staff.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.