We, the undersigned alumni, faculty, students, and supporters of the University of California, stand united in opposition to the Trump administration’s demand for a $1 billion settlement from UCLA.

This unprecedented action - taken alongside a freeze on hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants - strikes at the heart of what public universities represent: independent centers of inquiry, civic engagement, and the free exchange of ideas. Our nation’s educational institutions are not bargaining chips for political agendas; they are pillars of democracy that must remain free from undue political pressure and financial coercion.

No one disputes that universities have a responsibility to ensure the safety, dignity, and inclusion of all students, including Jewish and Israeli students, and to investigate allegations of antisemitism with seriousness and integrity. We condemn antisemitism in all its forms, along with all forms of discrimination. But this settlement demand is not a good-faith effort to address bias, it is a politically motivated attempt to intimidate and financially cripple a public institution in order to exert control over academic life.

Settling under these terms would not only drain resources from research, scholarships, and public service, it would set a dangerous precedent. It would signal to future administrations that public higher education can be coerced into compliance with political objectives under the threat of catastrophic financial loss.

A healthy democracy depends on strong, independent educational institutions where difficult conversations can occur without fear of partisan retribution. The University of California has served as a beacon for intellectual freedom, rigorous scholarship, and public service for more than 150 years. We must defend that legacy.

We call on the University of California Regents, UCLA leadership, and state officials to:

1. Reject any settlement that compromises academic freedom or the university’s independence.
2. Stand firmly against the use of federal funding as political leverage.
3. Commit to addressing all forms of discrimination through fair, transparent, and community-driven processes.

The integrity of our public universities - and the democratic values they uphold - are worth far more than any settlement check.

How You Can Take Action Beyond Signing

After signing this petition, please contact decision-makers directly to make sure your voice is heard:

Email or call the UC Board of Regents:

📧 regentsoffice@ucop.edu

📞 (510) 987-9220

✉ Board of Regents, University of California

1111 Franklin St., 12th Floor

Oakland, CA 94607

Email UC President Michael V. Drake:

📧 president@ucop.edu

Email UCLA Chancellor Gene Block:

📧 chancellor@ucla.edu

Contact California Governor Gavin Newsom:

🌐 Contact Form

Contact your California State Senator & Assemblymember:

📍 Find them here: Find Your Legislator

Contact your U.S. Senators & House Representative:

📍 Find them here: U.S. Congress Directory

Talking Points for Your Message:

• I oppose the politically motivated $1 billion settlement demand against UCLA.
• This sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in public higher education, threatening to undermine an important pillar of democracy.
• Public universities must remain independent, with resources focused on students, research, and public service—not political payoffs.
• I urge you to reject any settlement that compromises academic freedom or the UC system’s integrity.

or

Copy & Paste:

I am writing as a concerned [UC alum / student / faculty / supporter] to urge you to reject the Trump administration’s $1 billion settlement demand against UCLA.

This unprecedented action threatens the independence of public universities, drains vital resources from research and students, and sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in higher education.

Please stand firm in defense of academic freedom and democratic values by refusing any settlement that compromises the University’s mission or integrity.

Sign the petition. Speak out. Protect our democracy.