University of California Students & Staff Sue Trump Admin Over Funding Freeze
Faculty, staff, students and labor unions from the University of California system have sued the Trump administration in federal court. They challenge the freeze on federal research funds, alleging the suspension violates academic freedom and free speech.
Funds Frozen
The lawsuit cites over $584 million frozen at UCLA due to probes into alleged antisemitism, civil rights violations, and concerns over DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) programs. It also references earlier rulings that blocked the termination of more than $2 billion in grants to Harvard.
Government Demands
According to the plaintiffs, the Trump administration demanded changes in university policies: ending some DEI initiatives, giving access to staff and student data, restricting certain protests, and adjusting hiring/admissions practices. They argue these demands amount to political coercion.
University of California’s Role
The UC system itself is not a named party in the lawsuit, but officials say they are deeply concerned. UC President James Milliken called the funding freeze one of the gravest threats in the system’s history. He noted that the university depends on more than $17 billion annually from federal sources.
Legal Context & Precedents
The lawsuit follows a recent legal precedent where courts blocked attempts to cut funding at Harvard as unconstitutional. Critics say the current freeze similarly undermines academic institutions by using funding as leverage to force political compliance.
