UC Employees Take Action Against Trump: Lawsuit Filed for ‘Financial Coercion’ Over UCLA Budget Cuts

A group of 21 unions and faculty associations representing over 100,000 University of California (UC) employees has taken legal action against President Trump. They allege he is infringing on free speech, due process, and the rights of UC employees by imposing ideological demands on the university. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in San Francisco, suggests that the administration’s actions could disrupt both research funding and employment.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused UCLA of failing to adequately address antisemitism on campus, leading to demands for reforms in hiring, admissions, and other policies. The lawsuit claims that this federal intervention undermines the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers not explicitly granted to the federal government to the states and the people.

“This is about preserving our right to academic freedom,” stated Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors. The lawsuit shows frustration among UC employees regarding the administration’s slow response to federal threats. With over $500 million in potential grant cuts looming over UCLA, they fear losing crucial funding for education and research.

James B. Milliken, the president of UC, has called these cuts a significant threat to the university’s future. He warned that the situation is unprecedented in the UC’s 157-year history. “We’re facing one of the greatest challenges to our values,” he noted.

Recent data shows that federal pressure on universities is increasing, with one report highlighting that more than 40% of public universities have faced similar scrutiny over their policies on diversity and inclusion. This trend raises concerns about the future of academic independence.

At a rally supporting the lawsuit, faculty members voiced their concerns with signs saying, “Hands off our UC.” They hope to galvanize the administration to take a more robust stance against federal pressures.

The suit paints a broader picture of systemic issues within the UC, claiming it affects employees across all campuses, not just UCLA. Faculty, students, and support staff have reported feeling the impact of federal funding cuts and restrictions, which have made it harder to secure necessary resources for research and education.

Experts suggest that these tensions reflect a wider national debate about the role of universities in society. As trends continue to evolve, UC leaders and staff are determined to protect the institution’s core values and maintain its commitment to diverse perspectives.

The case underlines a significant moment for universities nationally, as they navigate pressures from the government while striving to uphold their missions of education and truth-seeking.



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