Trump Administration Sues University of California: A Battle Over Academic Freedom

The Trump administration is targeting the University of California using civil rights laws to restrict academic freedom, according to a lawsuit filed by various university-associated groups. This follows the administration's $1.2 billion fine and funding freeze against UCLA over alleged antisemitism and civil rights violations.

In an escalating legal battle, the Trump administration is accused of using civil rights laws to challenge the University of California and curb academic freedom. Filed on Tuesday, the lawsuit represents faculty, staff, student organizations, and labor unions.

This legal action follows a recent $1.2 billion fine and a freeze on research funding imposed on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) due to allegations of antisemitism and civil rights violations. UCLA became the first public university to face such a penalty, with other private institutions like Harvard, Brown, and Columbia also under scrutiny.

The lawsuit reveals that the Trump administration demands concessions from UCLA, including data access and cooperation with immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, the UC system insists these federal funding cuts compromise critical research and public health. The American Association of University Professors union leads the lawsuit, asserting the administration's actions jeopardize the independence of higher education institutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)