California Governor Gavin Newsom has made a bold declaration, stating he would step down from his position before allowing the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to incur a federal fine related to antisemitism on campus.
This comes amid a backdrop where several prestigious Ivy League institutions, including Columbia and Brown, have faced hefty penalties$200 million and $50 million respectivelyfor allegedly permitting antisemitic activities to flourish within their campuses.
UCLA has been at the center of controversy, particularly during the anti-Israel protests in the spring of 2024, which were marked by significant antisemitic incidents and violence. The Trump administration had previously identified UCLA as a primary focus for investigation, subsequently withdrawing $200 million in research funding from the university.
This figure escalated to nearly $600 million following findings that UCLA had infringed upon the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli students.
As reported by Breitbart, Governor Newsom, while addressing the media at an event focused on artificial intelligence and workforce development, expressed his firm stance against UCLA paying any fines. He emphatically stated, Were not Brown, were not Columbia, and Im not going to be governor if we act like that. Period. Full stop. I will fight like hell to make sure that doesnt happen.
His comments underscore a commitment to shielding the university from financial penalties, even at the cost of his governorship.
Governor Newsom further minimized the severity of antisemitism on campus, attributing the tensions to what he described as the temperament of an aggrieved individual who happens to currently be President of the United States.
This remark suggests a dismissal of the administration's concerns, framing them as politically motivated rather than grounded in genuine issues of discrimination.
The Los Angeles Times highlighted the unique governance structure of the University of California system, which operates independently under the state Constitution, free from political or sectarian influence.
However, the governor retains some influence over the Board of Regents through appointments and holds an ex-officio seat on the board. This dynamic places Newsom in a position of potential influence, despite the system's formal independence.
Governor Newsom's stance raises questions about the balance between state governance and university autonomy, as well as the broader implications for how antisemitism is addressed within academic institutions.
His willingness to resign rather than see UCLA penalized reflects a significant political gamble, one that underscores the contentious nature of this issue in California's educational and political landscape.
Login