White House Challenges California Over UCLA Settlement
On Tuesday, White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt called on California Democrats to consider potential legal action against President Donald Trump’s administration. This came after Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the administration for suggesting that UCLA pay $1 billion to settle allegations of anti-Semitism on campus.
Leavitt defended the administration’s stance, stating they were “within legal rights” to propose such a settlement. “Go ahead, Gavin,” Leavitt challenged. “This administration wants to ensure that universities respect the rights of students regarding free speech and religious expression on campus.
The proposed settlement includes a $1 billion payment from UCLA to the federal government, along with a $172 million donation to a fund for victims of civil rights violations. Should UCLA comply, the administration is willing to restore $584 million in federal research funding to the university.
UCLA has been at the center of anti-Israel demonstrations this year, with reports suggesting that some school officials failed to dismantle a so-called “Jewish exclusion zone,” which allegedly required students to denounce Israel to access parts of campus. Some administrators are said to have openly supported these protests.
Earlier in July, UCLA settled a $6.5 million discrimination lawsuit related to the exclusion zone, agreeing to contribute $2.33 million to both the university and various Jewish organizations working against anti-Semitism.
In response, Newsom stated that UCLA would not give in to the administration’s demands. He accused Trump of trying to stifle academic freedom. “He’s threatening us with a hefty fine unless we comply, and I can assure you, as long as I’m governor, I’ll stand against that,” he remarked. He indicated that the sentiment was shared among California legislators.
University of California President James Milicken expressed concern that a $1 billion payout would significantly harm the public university system and all residents of California.
