Introduction to the Trump Administration’s Decision
The Trump administration is freezing $339 million in research grants to the University of California, Los Angeles, accusing the school of civil rights violations related to antisemitism, affirmative action, and women’s sports, according to a person familiar with the matter. This decision marks one of the rare instances where the federal government has targeted a public university over such allegations.
Background on the Allegations
Several federal agencies notified UCLA this week that they were suspending grants over civil rights concerns, including $240 million from the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, according to the person, who spoke about internal deliberations on the condition of anonymity. The Trump administration recently announced the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division found UCLA violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, “by acting with deliberate indifference in creating a hostile educational environment for Jewish and Israeli students.”
Comparison with Similar Cases
Last week, Columbia agreed to pay $200 million as part of a settlement to resolve investigations into the government’s allegations that the school violated federal antidiscrimination laws. The agreement also restores more than $400 million in research grants. The Trump administration plans to use its deal with Columbia as a template for other universities, with financial penalties that are now seen as an expectation.
Reaction from UCLA and Federal Agencies
The National Science Foundation said in a statement it informed UCLA that it was suspending funding awards because the school isn’t in line with the agency’s priorities. UCLA’s chancellor Julio Frenk called the government’s decision “deeply disappointing.” “With this decision, hundreds of grants may be lost, adversely affecting the lives and life-changing work of UCLA researchers, faculty and staff,” he said in a statement.
Specific Allegations Against UCLA
The Department of Energy said in its letter it found several “examples of noncompliance” and faulted UCLA for inviting applicants to disclose their race in personal statements and for considering factors including family income and ZIP code. Affirmative action in college admissions was outlawed in California in 1996 and struck down by the Supreme Court in 2023. The letter said the school has taken steps that amount to “a transparent attempt to engage in race-based admissions in all but name,” disadvantaging white, Jewish, and Asian American applicants. It also said UCLA fails to promote an environment free from antisemitism and discriminates against women by allowing transgender women to compete on women’s teams.
Response from UCLA’s Chancellor
Frenk said that in its letter the federal government “claims antisemitism and bias as the reasons” to freeze the funding but “this far-reaching penalty of defunding life-saving research does nothing to address any alleged discrimination.” Earlier this week, UCLA reached a $6 million settlement with three Jewish students and a Jewish professor who sued the university arguing it violated their civil rights by allowing pro-Palestinian protesters in 2024 to block their access to classes and other areas on campus.
Previous Incidents and Settlements
UCLA initially had argued that it had no legal responsibility over the issue because protesters, not the university, blocked Jewish students’ access to some areas. The university also worked with law enforcement to thwart attempts to set up new protest camps. The university has said that it’s committed to campus safety and inclusivity and will continue to implement recommendations.
Conclusion
The freezing of $339 million in research grants to UCLA by the Trump administration over allegations of civil rights violations marks a significant move in the federal government’s efforts to address issues of antisemitism, affirmative action, and women’s sports in educational institutions. The decision and its implications for UCLA and potentially other universities highlight the ongoing challenges in balancing educational policies with federal regulations and the rights of diverse student bodies.
FAQs
- Q: Why did the Trump administration freeze $339 million in research grants to UCLA?
A: The Trump administration froze the grants due to allegations of civil rights violations related to antisemitism, affirmative action, and women’s sports. - Q: What federal agencies were involved in suspending grants to UCLA?
A: Several federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, were involved. - Q: How does this decision affect UCLA researchers and staff?
A: The decision may result in the loss of hundreds of grants, adversely affecting the lives and work of UCLA researchers, faculty, and staff. - Q: What was the response of UCLA’s chancellor to the government’s decision?
A: UCLA’s chancellor Julio Frenk called the decision “deeply disappointing” and stated that it does nothing to address alleged discrimination. - Q: Are there any similar cases or settlements related to this issue?
A: Yes, Columbia recently agreed to a $200 million settlement and the restoration of over $400 million in research grants over similar allegations, which the Trump administration plans to use as a template for other universities.By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ and COLLIN BINKLEY, Associated Press
Originally Published: August 1, 2025 at 4:26 PM EDT
