This post was updated Sept. 7 at 4:54 p.m.
Trump’s latest outburst targets UCLA.
The Trump administration halted funding for critical, life-saving academic research. And now, the federal government is demanding a $1 billion settlement to restore funding.
The administration did so in retaliation for alleged antisemitism, suspending over $584 million in research grants. This decision includes around 800 grants that previously funded STEM and medical research.
In a press conference, Gov. Gavin Newsom called Trump’s demand “extortion,” threatening a lawsuit against the administration.
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration Aug. 19 to reinstate around one third of the grants that were previously suspended. However, the dispute continues for the remainder – and largest portion – of the funding.
UCLA claims to be a values-driven organization. Trump’s belligerent attack on research has proven that concessions may be necessary, but upholding the university’s values must stay a priority. It has become increasingly certain that in Trump’s America, there can be no winners. Therefore, drawing a line between maintaining their most sacred values and reinstating research funding needs to be UCLA’s new objective.
UCLA’s mission statement champions “academic freedom” and its three institutional responsibilities: education, research and public service.
Colleges and institutions of higher education have long been a safe haven for free thought, speech and protest, removed from the whims of political party disputes and changing administrations. Trump has now challenged this, making higher education the new battleground for his “Make America Great Again” movement.
It is imperative that UCLA maintains a severed relationship between the federal government and their curriculum. True freedom of academic speech is a fundamental tenet of democracy and necessary to provide a diverse and credible education.
UCLA must fight for academic freedom.
Trump’s $1 billion demand is the largest settlement requested by his administration to a university. In the past, he has made it clear that little is off the chopping block. So far, he has severely downsized the Department of Education, rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and suspended student visas.
It does not seem likely that Trump’s war on higher education will end soon. So while UCLA continues to engage in talks with the administration to resolve this dispute, it is essential they remain staunch in their mission to provide an education free from federal interference, even if that constitutes a settlement.
It is clear that Trump, under the guise of civil rights violations, is attempting to seize and assert control over higher education. While Trump may argue funding cuts are due to civil rights violations against Jewish and Israeli students, the Trump administration has simultaneously banned transgender athletes from competitions and revoked international students’ visas for those engaging in peaceful protest. He has positioned himself as protecting students’ civil rights, while willfully disregarding those of others.
Research is an integral endeavor to UCLA and for the health and safety of global populations. People’s livelihoods depend on these grants and without them, huge cuts in salaries are expected and researchers have halted all expenditures. Given the tangible consequences faced thus far, it is UCLA’s obligation to protect against further harm.
But UCLA cannot completely kneel to the demands of the federal government. Academic freedom ensures the legitimacy of higher education. It is non-negotiable, and as the university endures another three and a half years under this administration, they need to resist federal control of the education they provide.
UCLA is validated by their commitment to education and academic freedom. Whether UCLA surrenders zero or $1 billion, the curriculum needs to be guarded. The objective is no longer winning – it is weathering.
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