Introduction to the Crisis
The University of California’s top leader warned Monday that the federal government’s $1.2-billion fine and sweeping proposals to remake UCLA are “minor in comparison” to what could hit the entirety of the nation’s premier university system of campuses, hospitals and clinics.
The Warning from UC President
UC President James B. Milliken said in a Monday letter, “As we consider the unprecedented action against UCLA, it is important to keep in mind that the federal government is also pursuing investigations and actions in various stages against all 10 UC campuses,” “So, while we are first focused on the direct action involving UCLA, we must also consider the implications of expanded federal action.”
Investigations and Actions
The “investigations and actions” range from Trump administration allegations of the illegal use of race in admissions — at Irvine, Berkeley and San Francisco campuses — to civil rights complaints lodged with the Department of Education by Jewish and other community members at UCLA, Davis, San Diego and Santa Barbara campuses. There is also a UC-wide investigation alleging the system discriminates against Jews in hiring, retention and promotion.
Potential Consequences
Milliken said “the threat that looms” could lead to further layoffs, budget reductions, federal grant suspensions and cuts to the university, California’s second largest employer.
The Settlement Proposal
He released his message after The Times on Monday published in an article detailing a wide-ranging 28-page settlement proposal the government sent to UCLA last month. In addition to the fine, the Department of Justice seeks to drastically overhaul campus practices on hiring, admissions, sports, scholarships, discrimination and gender identity.
UC’s Response
UC has not agreed to the proposal, which represents the government’s first volley as it seeks to overhaul many of UCLA’s policies and culture to adhere to President Trump’s conservative higher education agenda. Students, faculty, staff and campus unions are pushing UC to fight back against the Trump administration. Milliken’s Oakland-based office and the governing board of regents is negotiating with federal officials.
Protests and Rallies
On Tuesday afternoon, a coalition of UC unions and faculty organizations will hold a protest at UC San Francisco before the kickoff of a two-day board of regents meeting, the trustees’ first public convening since the UCLA crisis unfolded. “No concessions. No capitulations. No cuts,” say materials advertising the rally.
Transparency and Public Records
Individuals within the UC community and faculty groups across the system have asked UC to release the government’s full settlement proposal. As a public institution, UC is required under state law to share a wide range of information upon request. But it has declined public records requests to release the proposal, citing pending settlement and potential litigation matters. On Monday, a coalition of faculty association groups from the 10 campuses, including UCLA, made a court filing in an attempt to force UC to share the proposal.
The Need for Transparency
“Negotiations behind closed doors make it impossible to know what exactly is at stake,” said Anna Markowitz, UCLA Faculty Assn. president and associate professor in the School of Education and Information Studies. “We need to know how an agreement might harm the California economy, the academic success of immigrants and students of color, the lives of trans students and Californians, and our fundamental civil rights,” Markowitz said.
UC’s Commitment to Transparency
In response to the filing, a UC official said the the university is “fully committed” to transparency. “We understand the anxiety and uncertainty many in our community are feeling right now,” said UC Senior Vice President of External Relations Meredith Turner. “We are fully committed to being as transparent as possible about what we face while also meeting our obligations to maintain the confidentiality of ongoing investigations and proceedings with the federal government.”
Conclusion
In his letter, Milliken indicated that further major federal funding losses would “devastate UC and inflict real, long-term harm on our students, our faculty and staff, our patients, and all Californians.” He pointed out that UC receives $17 billion each year in federal dollars, made up of $9.9 billion in Medicare and Medicaid funding, $5.7 billion in research and program support, and $1.7 billion in financial aid for students. The funds at risk support the doctors and nurses who care for millions of Californians each year, the researchers working to find new cures and make important technological discoveries, and the financial aid that keeps UC accessible for students of all backgrounds.
FAQs
Q: What is the federal government proposing for UCLA?
A: The Department of Justice seeks to drastically overhaul campus practices on hiring, admissions, sports, scholarships, discrimination and gender identity, in addition to a $1.2-billion fine.
Q: How many UC campuses are under investigation?
A: All 10 UC campuses are under investigation or facing actions in various stages.
Q: What are the potential consequences for UC?
A: Further layoffs, budget reductions, federal grant suspensions, and cuts to the university, which could devastate UC and inflict real, long-term harm on students, faculty, staff, patients, and all Californians.
Q: Is UC committed to transparency?
A: Yes, UC officials have stated that they are “fully committed” to transparency, while also meeting obligations to maintain confidentiality of ongoing investigations and proceedings.
Q: What is the total amount of federal funding UC receives annually?
A: UC receives $17 billion each year in federal dollars.
