Gavin Newsom, Governor of California | Official website
California officials have criticized the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice for demanding that the University of California pay over $1 billion to restore previously frozen medical and science grant funding. Governor Gavin Newsom, along with state legislative leaders and Jewish Caucus co-chairs, issued a joint statement condemning what they described as an attack on academic freedom.
“This isn’t about protecting Jewish students — it’s a billion-dollar political shakedown from the pay-to-play president. Trump has weaponized the Department of Justice to punish California, crush free thinking, and kneecap the greatest public university system in the world. UCLA has taken aggressive, concrete steps to crack down on the vile scourge of antisemitism on campus, and we are confident Chancellor Frenk remains committed to this critical work. As Jewish leaders and strong allies, we are united against Trump’s assault and will fight like hell because California will not bow to this kind of disgusting political extortion,” said Governor Newsom and other state leaders in their statement.
The dispute comes after the UC system attempted to engage in dialogue with federal authorities regarding its research mission. Instead, according to state officials, the DOJ demanded a payment that would significantly impact university operations and research activities.
The University of California contributes substantially to both state and national economies. According to data provided by UC, it generates $82 billion annually for America’s economy and supports more than 500,000 jobs across California and beyond (https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/about-us). The university system is also known for its research output; UC researchers create around 1,500 inventions each year and hold over 13,800 active patents—more than any other university system globally (https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/research-impact).
In response to concerns about hate on campuses—including antisemitism—Governor Newsom introduced the Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism in 2024. This initiative aims at education efforts, community partnerships, better data collection, and increased security for vulnerable institutions. The plan builds upon previous investments focused on fighting antisemitism through educational programs such as Holocaust studies and broader hate crime prevention measures.
Recent legislation requires every University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campus to prepare annual plans promoting healthy discourse among students with differing viewpoints while ensuring safety. Additional laws mandate anti-discrimination training at public colleges receiving state funds.
To further address hate-related incidents in schools statewide, new regulations have updated student codes of conduct at both UC and CSU campuses so that violent or discriminatory behavior is explicitly prohibited.
California has also invested heavily in improving security for nonprofit organizations considered at risk from hate crimes. Recent budgets include $160 million allocated through 2025 for grants supporting houses of worship or community groups needing enhanced protection measures such as reinforced doors or alarms.
The Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education released a report earlier this year evaluating how these subjects are taught throughout California schools. Established in 2021 following an increase in antisemitic incidents statewide, this council continues its work promoting best practices for educators teaching about historical acts of genocide as well as current forms of bigotry.
University of California leadership has implemented various reforms aimed at fostering safer environments across all campuses by addressing harassment—including antisemitism—and discrimination.
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