The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has decided to close the Bruin Woods camp this summer in response to a lawsuit filed by two students alleging sexual assault and hazing.
Since 1985, Bruin Woods Camp, located in Lake Arrowhead, has been a retreat and recreational destination for UCLA students for decades. This 10-week camp hosts up to 80 alumni families each week. Alongside the guests, over 50 students are invited to assist in running the program during the summer, serving various roles such as boat drivers, counselors, and craft instructors.
However, a recent lawsuit filed by two female students has revealed a dark and disturbing reality that led to the camp’s closure this year. The complaint alleges hazing rituals that involved physical abuse and sensory deprivation, with the victims forced to wear pillowcases over their heads while being verbally berated by senior staff.
The lawsuit also claims that the students were required to bring fake IDs, condoms, and birth control pills, and follow orders from superiors to consume excessive alcohol, strip naked, and jump into the lake. Both women allege sexual abuse by male employees while incapacitated by alcohol.
The lawsuit argues that both the camp staff and older students, as well as the UCLA administration, failed to take appropriate measures to prevent or address these abuses. It asserts that an environment of impunity and lack of supervision allowed these acts to occur without consequences for the perpetrators.
Both the UCLA Regents and the summer camp have been sued to hold the institution accountable for failing to protect its staff and fostering a toxic and dangerous workplace for young people, which has been an open secret for decades.
In response to the lawsuit, UCLA acknowledged being aware of the allegations and inappropriate activity at the camp and stated that they are investigating the matter. They have decided to close Bruin Woods this summer, stating that they are making the change to provide an exceptional experience for everyone involved.
The UCLA Daily Bruin reported that the lawsuit seeks a jury trial, $50,000 in damages, legal fees, and medical expenses. It was filed last October by two students who had previously worked as monitors at the camp but left early due to abuse by some counselors, who are named as defendants.
A prompt resolution is expected for the victims, whose horrific experience has traumatized them. At the moment, the Lake Arrowhead Resort will remain open, but Bruin Woods will not be operational.
Sexual and power abuse violates human rights, and no individual or institution should tolerate it.
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