Commentary: Unlike at Columbia, Trump's attack on UCLA is aimed at taxpayer money

Opinion:

The recent article highlighting President Donald Trump's demand for $1 billion from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between educational institutions and political power. His choice to target a public university, as opposed to private Ivy League institutions, is emblematic of a broader ideological war that has been waged against public education in the United States. This demand is not merely a financial maneuver; it represents a direct assault on the principles of academic freedom and a broader attempt to stifle diverse viewpoints in higher education—a trend that has historical roots in the politicization of education.

The University of California system, which includes UCLA, has been a bastion of progressive thought and social activism since its inception. Historically, public universities have played a crucial role in advancing social justice movements, from the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s to contemporary discussions surrounding racial equity and climate justice. Trump's attack is not an isolated incident; it fits within a larger narrative of conservative efforts to undermine institutions that challenge the status quo. By framing his demand in terms of taxpayer money, Trump is attempting to turn public opinion against universities, suggesting that they are misusing public funds. This rhetoric neglects the essential role that public universities play in serving their communities and fostering critical debate.

Moreover, the implications of this demand extend beyond financial ramifications. Academic freedom is foundational to the pursuit of knowledge, and Trump's actions can be seen as an attempt to create a chilling effect on faculty and students. There is a significant historical precedent for this kind of political interference in education. During the McCarthy era, for instance, academia was targeted in a campaign against alleged communist influence, leading to the blacklisting of numerous scholars. Today, Trump's actions echo this troubling history, as he seeks to impose ideological conformity within educational settings, particularly in fields that address systemic inequalities and challenge capitalist norms.

Additionally, this incident underscores the ongoing struggle for funding in public education. The disinvestment in public universities has been a significant issue over the last few decades, as state funding has steadily declined, forcing institutions to rely more heavily on tuition and private donations, which often come with strings attached. Trump's demand for such an exorbitant payment may further exacerbate this crisis, leading to higher tuition rates and deeper inequalities in access to education. This scenario plays into a larger narrative of class struggle, where only those who can afford the rising costs of education will be able to benefit from the knowledge and opportunities that public universities provide.

Finally, it is essential to recognize the broader social implications of this conflict. By attacking UCLA, Trump is not just targeting an institution but is also engaging in a larger battle over the values that underpin our society. Education has always been a tool for empowerment and social mobility, yet efforts to undermine it disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The ongoing struggle for equitable access to quality education is intertwined with movements for racial justice, gender equality, and workers' rights. In light of this, it is crucial for advocates of social change to mobilize in defense of public universities and to recognize the importance of academic freedom in achieving broader societal goals. As we confront these challenges, the lessons from history remind us that the fight for a just and equitable education system remains a vital component of the struggle for social justice.

Action:

The recent demand by former President Donald Trump for a staggering $1 billion from UCLA is a striking reminder of the ongoing struggle over the funding and independence of public education in the United States. This move, which has sent shockwaves through the University of California system, highlights the intersection of politics and academia, raising important questions about who controls educational institutions in America. By targeting UCLA, Trump is not just making a statement against one institution; he is waging a broader campaign against the very principles of academic freedom and the public good, which are foundational to our democratic society.

Historically, public universities have served as bastions of free thought and intellectual exploration, often challenging prevailing narratives and providing a platform for diverse voices. The University of California system, as one of the largest and most esteemed public university networks, has a long-standing tradition of promoting social justice, scientific research, and public service. Trump's attack on UCLA is emblematic of a larger trend whereby public institutions are under siege, not just from funding cuts but also from ideological battles that seek to undermine their autonomy. This political maneuvering reflects a broader conservative agenda that seeks to control the narrative in educational settings, stifling dissent and promoting a homogenized vision of American values.

In response to Trump's demands, it is crucial that we, as engaged citizens, mobilize to defend public education and academic freedom. One immediate action is to advocate for increased funding for public higher education at both state and federal levels. We can mobilize our communities to support ballot initiatives that prioritize educational funding and oppose any measures that threaten financial support for public universities. Engaging with local representatives to express our concerns about these developments can amplify our voices, ensuring that they understand the importance of protecting academic institutions from political interference.

Moreover, we must encourage a culture of resistance within academic circles. This can be achieved by fostering dialogue among faculty, students, and community members about the implications of political attacks on educational institutions. Workshops, teach-ins, and public forums can serve as platforms to educate the public about the value of academic freedom and the risks posed by political encroachments. By creating a network of support and solidarity, we can empower faculty and students to stand firm against attempts to impose ideological conformity, thus preserving the diversity of thought that is essential to a vibrant educational environment.

Finally, we should leverage the power of social media and grassroots organizing to raise awareness about the importance of defending public universities. By sharing stories of how funding cuts and political demands affect students and faculty, we can humanize the issue and mobilize public opinion. Engaging with right-wing narratives, we can challenge their framing of education as a burden on taxpayers and instead highlight the societal benefits of a well-funded and autonomous public education system. By framing our arguments around the public good, we can effectively counter rhetoric that seeks to diminish the value of education in our democracy.

In conclusion, Trump's assault on UCLA is not merely a financial demand; it represents a broader ideological battle for the soul of public education in America. This moment calls for a concerted response from all of us who value academic freedom and the role of public institutions in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. By advocating for funding, promoting a culture of resistance, and mobilizing grassroots efforts, we can work collectively to protect higher education from political exploitation and ensure that it remains a space for critical inquiry and diverse perspectives.

To Do:

In light of the recent commentary regarding President Trump's demand for $1 billion from UCLA, it’s essential to consider actionable steps individuals can take to respond to this attack on public education and academic freedom. Here’s a detailed list of ideas and actions we can pursue:

### What Can We Personally Do About This?

1. **Raise Awareness**: Inform friends, family, and community members about the implications of the funding demand and its potential impact on public universities and academic freedom.

2. **Support Academic Freedom**: Stand in solidarity with faculty and students, advocating for the importance of independent education and research.

3. **Engage in Local Politics**: Attend local government meetings related to education funding, and advocate for increased support for public universities.

4. **Participate in Petitions**: Join or initiate petitions that call for the protection of public university funding and academic freedom.

5. **Mobilize Communities**: Create or join local groups focused on defending public institutions and promoting educational equity.

### Exact Actions We Can Take

1. **Sign Petitions**: - **Petition to Protect Public University Funding**: Look for online petitions on platforms like Change.org or MoveOn.org. For example, a petition demanding that the state legislature rejects any funding cuts to public universities can be impactful. - Example Petition: [“Defend Public Education in California”](https://www.change.org) (search for relevant petitions, as they may change frequently).

2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - **Write to Local and State Representatives**: Express concerns over Trump's demands and advocate for the protection of university funding. - **California State Assembly**: - **Assemblymember Anthony Rendon** (Speaker of the Assembly) - Email: speaker.rendon@asm.ca.gov - Address: 1021 O Street, Suite 6550, Sacramento, CA 95814 - **U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein** - Email: feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me - Address: 331 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

3. **Engage with Campus Organizations**: - Join student or faculty-led organizations that advocate for academic freedom and public funding. Examples include: - **UCLA Academic Senate**: Reach out to members to discuss strategic actions. - **UCLA Students for Justice in Palestine**: Engage in discussions about how political pressures affect education.

4. **Participate in Public Demonstrations**: - Organize or participate in rallies and demonstrations advocating for the protection of university funding. Check local university calendars or community boards for upcoming events.

5. **Write Opinion Pieces**: - Submit letters to the editor in local newspapers discussing the importance of public education and the dangers of political interference in academic institutions.

### What to Say

When reaching out to elected officials or in public forums, consider the following points to articulate your concerns:

- **Express Concern**: "I am deeply concerned about President Trump's demand for $1 billion from UCLA, which threatens the integrity and funding of public universities across California." - **Highlight Importance of Education**: "Public universities serve as vital resources for education, research, and community engagement. They must remain free from political manipulation."

- **Call to Action**: "I urge you to stand against these unjust demands and support legislation that protects academic freedom and ensures adequate funding for our public institutions."

- **Invite Collaboration**: "I am willing to work with you and other community members to advocate for policies that prioritize education and uphold the principles of academic freedom."

By taking these steps, we can collectively respond to the challenges posed by political pressures on public education and work towards a more equitable and supportive system for all students and faculty.