The Trump administration has requested a $1 billion settlement from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) following allegations that the university failed to address antisemitism and civil rights violations amid campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
This is the first public university targeted under a wider federal funding suspension initiative.
Recently, the Department of Justice froze approximately $584 million in federal research grants to UCLA.
The freeze stems from claims that the university violated the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. To lift this suspension, the administration demands significant policy changes at UCLA.
These changes include removing identity-based preferences in hiring, admissions, and scholarships; revising protest policies to reduce disruptions to academic activities; appointing a compliance officer to ensure adherence to the new rules; and conducting a campus climate survey focused on the experiences of Jewish students.
The University of California President has opposed the settlement, warning that the large financial penalty would negatively impact the entire university system and its students.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also criticized the demand, calling it political extortion, and announced plans to legally challenge the move, citing concerns about academic freedom.
This development follows similar actions against private universities, including Columbia and Brown, which have reached settlements over comparable allegations.
Harvard University is currently under investigation with ongoing negotiations.
The dispute between the Trump administration and UCLA highlights an ongoing national debate over federal oversight and the autonomy of universities in handling issues such as discrimination and free speech on campuses.