UC Berkeley Faculty and Students Protest Trump Administration Threats

BERKELEY, Calif. — Faculty and students gathered at UC Berkeley‘s Sproul Plaza on Wednesday to protest what they describe as unlawful threats from the Trump administration impacting academic freedom. The rally, dubbed ‘Freedom to Speak, Teach, and Learn For Everyone,’ attracted a diverse crowd who voiced their concerns about ongoing federal actions against educational institutions.

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Among the speakers, Law Professor Claudia Polsky emphasized the importance of the faculty’s role in defending constitutional rights. ‘We come together as a faculty to uphold the values for which this institution stands,’ Polsky stated. ‘We are seen as the last line of defense against the Trump administration as it daily flouts the Constitution, ignores our statutes, and defies court orders.’

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Ula Taylor, a professor in Black Studies, rallied the crowd with a bold declaration: ‘Today I am welcoming all of you to the fight. It is a fight that can be summed up in five words: Academic freedom is under assault.’

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Natural Resources Dean David Ackerly noted the necessity for self-reflection and action, asking, ‘What do we need to do to gain and regain the trust of the taxpayers, elected officials, and more than ever, the families and the students?’

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There is growing apprehension surrounding the Trump administration’s perception of campus protests, particularly regarding allegations that they may contribute to antisemitism. Lecturer Les Guliasi remarked, ‘I have not seen evidence of that kind of antisemitic behavior… Cal campus and, frankly, at UC Santa Cruz, where I teach as well, they are completely open and they have diversity.’

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The protest comes amid scrutiny directed at UC Berkeley and other institutions following the Trump administration’s recent actions, including a $400 million funding withdrawal from Columbia University due to accusations of failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. Many fear that UC Berkeley could face similar financial ramifications, potentially costing the institution hundreds of millions in support.

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Lecturer Michael Riemer voiced a critical perspective, suggesting that the administration’s actions are an attempt to impose its agenda on universities. ‘I think it’s just an excuse for the federal government to try to have their agenda reflected at the university level and to intimidate universities.’

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Students echoed their professors’ sentiments. Raeghan Gibson, a student participating in the protest, stated, ‘I would like to express my opinions and express my feelings on different things, and so, I think that being here at this free speech protest is a very important thing.’ Vanessa Jensen, another student, expressed her frustration with current federal policies: ‘I think what’s going on right now in our federal government is an abomination. It’s a direct violation of human rights, civil rights, everything that we should be guaranteed.’

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The demonstration concluded peacefully, with organizers noting that further actions may be planned as the situation continues to unfold. UC Berkeley is one of 60 U.S. colleges currently under federal investigation regarding the handling of antisemitism on campus, led by the Department of Education.