KQED's Forum
California Universities Grapple with Trump Threats, Investigations
Mar 31, 2025
Javed Kaleem, an education reporter for the Los Angeles Times, sheds light on the implications of the Trump administration's scrutiny of California universities. Steve Hetz, a neuroendovascular surgeon at UCSF, discusses the severe impact of funding cuts on research and patient care. Meanwhile, Michael Chwe, a UCLA political science professor, emphasizes the political tension surrounding DEI practices. They unravel the fears faced by international students and faculty amidst hiring freezes and federal investigations, painting a vivid picture of today's educational landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- California universities face significant challenges, including investigations by the DOJ and funding cuts, impacting research and education quality.
- International students report increased anxiety due to political pressures and threats, affecting their participation in campus life and overall safety.
Deep dives
Trump Administration Investigations into California Universities
The Trump administration is conducting investigations into several California universities, including Stanford and multiple University of California campuses, to assess their compliance with admissions policies regarding race. Using race as a factor in admissions has been deemed illegal under both California law and a recent Supreme Court ruling. Although no specific evidence of wrongdoing has been publicly shared by the Department of Justice, the investigations are perceived as a direct challenge to diversity initiatives, often referred to as illegal DEI. In response, the universities maintain they have not utilized race in admissions since 1997 and are prepared to cooperate with the inquiry.
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