Official Blog | UCGPC

The University of California Student Association (UCSA) and the University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC) have issued a strong condemnation of recent executive orders from the Trump Administration. These orders, which target undocumented and international students, threaten free speech, violate transgender rights, and halt federal research grants, have sparked significant concern across the UC community.

Key Points:

1. Impact on Undocumented and International Students:
   • The executive orders threaten to end birthright citizenship and allow ICE and other federal agencies on public college campuses.
   • These actions create a hostile environment for students and their families, undermining the principles of equal opportunity in education.
2. Free Speech Under Threat:
   • A directive to deport international and undocumented students and staff involved in pro-Palestine activism is seen as an attack on free speech.
   • This conflation of pro-Palestine advocacy with anti-Semitism sets a dangerous precedent for censorship on college campuses.
3. Transgender Rights Violations:
   • Executive orders that claim there are only two genders disregard the identities of transgender and non-binary individuals.
   • The UC community is urged to support their trans and non-binary members against these discriminatory policies.
4. Impact on Federal Research Grants:
   • Halting federal research grants would severely affect graduate students and the innovative work being done at UC campuses.
   • Federal investments are crucial for maintaining global leadership in various fields, including health, science, engineering, and technology.

Call to Action: The UCSA and UCGPC are calling on the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) and the Regents of the University of California to take legal action against these executive orders. They also urge the California Department of Justice to combat these policies swiftly. The UC has a history of standing up against federal actions that harm its community, and it is vital to continue this fight to protect free speech, support all students regardless of their immigration status or gender, and uphold groundbreaking research initiatives.

Conclusion: The UC community must unite to oppose these executive actions and protect the rights and safety of all its members. By standing together, we can ensure that our campuses remain places of learning, innovation, and inclusivity.

Authors: Aditi Hariharan, University of California Student Association (UCSA), Ryan Manriquez, President, University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC)