Probe backs UCI’s actions

Federal investigators have found that UC Irvine responded appropriately to alleged violations of students’ rights stemming from years of conflict between Muslim and Jewish student groups on campus.

The investigation was launched after a 2005 complaint by the Zionist Organization of America, which cited alleged anti-Semitic speeches and actions by Islamic student groups. The complaint alleged the university discriminated against Jewish students by failing to act against the Muslim groups.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, in findings released Tuesday by UCI officials, concluded that some activities sponsored by Muslim students were offensive to Jewish students, including displaying a poster at one event that equated the Star of David with a swastika.

But investigators said the speeches, marches and other activities they observed were based on opposition to the policies of Israel, not the national origin of Jewish students. The report also found evidence that in several specific incidents -- including the defacing of an Israeli flag in a student dorm room -- the university met with students and tried to investigate and offer counseling.

“The university responded in a prompt and effective manner,” the report said.

University officials have repeatedly found themselves caught in the middle of bitter exchanges and dueling protests between the groups. On Tuesday, they portrayed the findings as a vindication of their efforts.

“We’re definitely pleased,” said Manuel Gomez, vice chancellor for student affairs.

The report, which cites alleged hate e-mails and comments of a speaker linking Zionism to racism, “is not a pretty picture,” Gomez said. He stressed that although passions run high, there had been no reports of violence.

The investigation results should “deepen the awareness of everyone that civil discourse is the best,” Gomez said. “We have to listen to each other.”

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rich.connell@latimes.com