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.