University of California Berkeley, faculty, students, and supporters rally against trump administration’s threats
On Wednesday, students, faculty members, and supporters at the University of California, Berkeley, gathered on campus to protest against the Trump administration’s actions related to college protests and curriculum. According to CBS News, the rally began at around 12:30 p.m. The organizers stated that the protest was a response to what they called unlawful threats from the administration and the US Department of Justice, which has recently targeted pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses.
Cihan Tugal, a professor at the university, shared details of the rally on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He tweeted: “Hundreds of UC Berkeley professors, joined by staff and students, are protesting attacks against education. Two Jewish professors spoke back to back, supporting Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil’s freedom.”
The University of California is one of 60 universities currently under federal investigation for alleged antisemitic discrimination linked to campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza following the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, 2023.
These institutions received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, warning that they could face enforcement actions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The letter emphasized the need to “protect Jewish students on campus, including uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities.”
This development occurs as university administrators face increasing pressure to control pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which have occurred regularly on university campuses throughout the past year, resulting in numerous arrests.
The current administration has prioritised addressing perceived anti-Israel and antisemitic activities on university campuses. An executive order was signed early in the term to address antisemitism in educational institutions, followed by the establishment of a multi-agency task force on February 3.
Prior to this announcement, five universities were already under investigation: Columbia, Northwestern, Portland State, UC Berkeley, and Minnesota Twin Cities. The remaining fifty-five institutions are now being investigated or monitored following OCR complaints.
According to CBS News, the University of California announced on Wednesday that it would be implementing a hiring freeze and other cost-saving measures across its 10-campus system due to the uncertainty surrounding federal funding in the wake of executive orders and proposed policy changes by the Trump administration.
As tensions rise on campuses nationwide, universities are grappling with balancing free speech, student safety, and federal compliance. The unfolding situation is expected to spark further debates on academic independence, government oversight, and the role of universities in politically charged conflicts.
