UCLA says it is losing some federal research funding
'UCLA received a notice that the federal government, through its control of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies, is suspending certain research funding to UCLA,' university Chancellor Julio Frenk said in a message to the campus community.
'This is not only a loss to the researchers who rely on critical grants. It is a loss for Americans across the nation whose work, health, and future depend on the groundbreaking work we do,' he wrote.
The announced notice comes as the Trump administration has sought to pressure or retaliate against universities across the country following student protests on college campuses about the war in Gaza.
Some Republican members of Congress and others have called the protests and some of the conduct antisemitic.
Frenk in his message to the UCLA community said that the federal government used antisemitism as its reason for the loss of funding.
"In its notice to us, the federal government claims antisemitism and bias as the reasons. This far-reaching penalty of defunding life-saving research does nothing to address any alleged discrimination," he wrote.
UCLA announced Tuesday that it has agreed to pay $6 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged discrimination, and which was brought by Jewish students and a faculty member. The lawsuit filed in June 2024 accused the university of failing to take action when pro-Palestinian protesters set up encampments on campus that spring.
Frenk wrote in the message to the Bruin community — as the UCLA community is known — that antisemitism has no place on campus but acknowledged room for improvement. He said that the university has taken steps to combat it, and put in place policies about student protests.
The National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Thursday.
Frenk in his message to the university did not say how much federal funding will be suspended.
He highlighted important work done by UCLA, which included helping to create what would become the Internet, and he said researchers "are now building new technologies that could fuel entire industries and help safeguard our soldiers."
President Donald Trump during his campaign pledged to crack down on universities because of student protests against the war in Gaza, which Israel launched against Hamas after the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, that targeted Israeli civilians, including at a music festival.
There is now a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and this week t he United Nations said the U.N.'s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, showed mounting evidence of a worsening famine there. The IPC emphasized that its warning constituted an alert and was not a formal 'famine classification.'
Columbia University in New York City was among the universities targeted by the Trump administration over allegations of antisemitism, and last week Columbia announced a settlement with the federal government in an effort to restore cut federal funding.
Brown University in Rhode Island said Wednesday that it reached an agreement with the federal government to restore funding. The university said that agreement resolves three reviews of Brown's 'compliance with federal nondiscrimination obligations.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Independent candidate for Michigan governor is betting on partisan fatigue in the midterms
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spent his political career as a Democrat, leading Michigan's largest Democratic stronghold. But now, he's become a target of his former party, whose leaders are furious about his decision to run for Michigan governor next year as an independent. Detroit is a power base for Democrats in the battleground state, and some fear Duggan will draw support from their nominee and potentially help the Republican candidate. Democrats have launched attacks against Duggan, accusing him of being bankrolled by allies of President Donald Trump. But Duggan — who is soon leaving the office he has held since 2014 — says voters of all leanings are tired of partisan fighting. 'It doesn't actually matter where I go in the state,' Duggan said. 'People are angry that their problems are not getting solved because the two parties are so consumed with fighting with each other.' Duggan had been a major Democratic figure in Michigan with a close working relationship with former President Joe Biden. While there is precedent for independent governors in the U.S., none are currently in office and there has never been one in Michigan. Duggan spoke recently with The Associated Press about his candidacy, why he's not running as a Democrat and his positions on key issues. Why run as an independent? Duggan said voters are fed up with partisan politics and want an option outside of the two-party system. He announced his bid a month after Democrats suffered heavy losses in the 2024 election. But, midterm elections tend to favor the party not in power. Democrats have now seized on cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits as winning issues in races across the country. Duggan doesn't see it that way. 'I mean, it would have been easier to win as a Democrat, but then I'd have just been part of the partisan problem,' Duggan said. As an example, Duggan pointed to Michigan's split Legislature, with Republicans in control of the state House and Democrats controlling the state Senate. Only six proposals have become law this year, and the state operating budget is still hung up. Duggan's campaign has focused on his independency from both parties and education in the state. Duggan derided Michigan House Democrats who voted against a measure to restrict cellphone usage in schools. 'I don't really intend to get involved in the national Republican versus Democratic talking points,' he said. Tariffs in Detroit, and abroad Several companies in Michigan's auto industry, centered in Detroit, have reported major losses and expressed worry about tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Auto parts often move across the border between the U.S. and Canada multiple times during manufacturing. Duggan said tariffs on China and Mexico could push manufacturing to Michigan. However, tariffs on Canada are 'devastating,' he said. 'When you put a tariff on Canada, you put a tariff on Michigan,' he said. He also critiqued the ever-changing nature of Trump's tariff policies, saying they prevent companies from making educated, long-term investments. President Trump Duggan praised current Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her work with the Trump administration, opposing the tariffs on Canada and working with him to get new fighter jets for an air force base. Some Democrats have criticized Whitmer for appearing with Trump multiple times this year. 'I think it's exactly the right kind of approach,' he said. Elon Musk Democrats in Michigan have frequently tied Duggan to Elon Musk; an attempt to undercut Duggan by association with the divisive public figure. Musk, a former Trump ally, said in July that he would create a third political party. When Duggan responded to Musk on X saying 'Now you've got my attention,' the Michigan Democratic Party said the mayor was 'cozying' up to the richest man in the world. When asked about exchange, Duggan said his bid is 'exactly the opposite' of a third party and said he wants no part of one. As an independent, he would not be responsible for any party majority, he said. 'I'm going to work with whoever wins to build bridges,' he said. Arab American voters Michigan is home to one of the largest populations of Arab American voters in the U.S., many of whom are disillusioned with both political parties over Israel's military offensive in Gaza which has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. 'The governor doesn't make policy 6,000 miles away,' Duggan said. 'The governor has a great deal to say about the tone of hate speech and threats to individuals — whether it's the Jewish community, the Arab community — in the state of Michigan.' Who else is in the race? Whitmer is term-limited and cannot run for reelection. The crowded field vying to replace her includes three Democrats — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson — and four Republicans — U.S. Rep. John James, state Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt, former state Attorney General Mike Cox and former Speaker of the state House Tom Leonard. Running as an independent allowed Duggan to avoid the Democratic primary, but he gave up access to the party's resources. He's well-known in Detroit and the surrounding areas but largely lacks statewide name recognition. Recent fundraising numbers showed Duggan was competitive with Benson, James and Nesbitt. Only Benson's campaign raised more than Duggan's, thanks to $1.1 million she transferred from her Secretary of State campaign account. National Democratic groups, though, are certain to prioritize the Michigan race and pour money in if needed. 'A lot of people in the state are fed up with a two party system,' Duggan said. 'And it's not going to change by electing another Republican or Democrat.'
San Francisco Chronicle
27 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Independent candidate for Michigan governor is betting on partisan fatigue in the midterms
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spent his political career as a Democrat, leading Michigan's largest Democratic stronghold. But now, he's become a target of his former party, whose leaders are furious about his decision to run for Michigan governor next year as an independent. Detroit is a power base for Democrats in the battleground state, and some fear Duggan will draw support from their nominee and potentially help the Republican candidate. Democrats have launched attacks against Duggan, accusing him of being bankrolled by allies of President Donald Trump. But Duggan — who is soon leaving the office he has held since 2014 — says voters of all leanings are tired of partisan fighting. 'It doesn't actually matter where I go in the state,' Duggan said. 'People are angry that their problems are not getting solved because the two parties are so consumed with fighting with each other.' Duggan had been a major Democratic figure in Michigan with a close working relationship with former President Joe Biden. While there is precedent for independent governors in the U.S., none are currently in office and there has never been one in Michigan. Why run as an independent? He announced his bid a month after Democrats suffered heavy losses in the 2024 election. But, midterm elections tend to favor the party not in power. Democrats have now seized on cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits as winning issues in races across the country. Duggan doesn't see it that way. 'I mean, it would have been easier to win as a Democrat, but then I'd have just been part of the partisan problem,' Duggan said. As an example, Duggan pointed to Michigan's split Legislature, with Republicans in control of the state House and Democrats controlling the state Senate. Only six proposals have become law this year, and the state operating budget is still hung up. Duggan's campaign has focused on his independency from both parties and education in the state. Duggan derided Michigan House Democrats who voted against a measure to restrict cellphone usage in schools. 'I don't really intend to get involved in the national Republican versus Democratic talking points,' he said. Tariffs in Detroit, and abroad Several companies in Michigan's auto industry, centered in Detroit, have reported major losses and expressed worry about tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Auto parts often move across the border between the U.S. and Canada multiple times during manufacturing. Duggan said tariffs on China and Mexico could push manufacturing to Michigan. However, tariffs on Canada are 'devastating,' he said. 'When you put a tariff on Canada, you put a tariff on Michigan,' he said. He also critiqued the ever-changing nature of Trump's tariff policies, saying they prevent companies from making educated, long-term investments. President Trump Duggan praised current Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her work with the Trump administration, opposing the tariffs on Canada and working with him to get new fighter jets for an air force base. Some Democrats have criticized Whitmer for appearing with Trump multiple times this year. 'I think it's exactly the right kind of approach,' he said. Elon Musk Democrats in Michigan have frequently tied Duggan to Elon Musk; an attempt to undercut Duggan by association with the divisive public figure. Musk, a former Trump ally, said in July that he would create a third political party. When Duggan responded to Musk on X saying 'Now you've got my attention,' the Michigan Democratic Party said the mayor was 'cozying' up to the richest man in the world. When asked about exchange, Duggan said his bid is 'exactly the opposite' of a third party and said he wants no part of one. As an independent, he would not be responsible for any party majority, he said. 'I'm going to work with whoever wins to build bridges,' he said. Arab American voters Michigan is home to one of the largest populations of Arab American voters in the U.S., many of whom are disillusioned with both political parties over Israel's military offensive in Gaza which has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. 'The governor doesn't make policy 6,000 miles away,' Duggan said. 'The governor has a great deal to say about the tone of hate speech and threats to individuals — whether it's the Jewish community, the Arab community — in the state of Michigan.' Who else is in the race? Whitmer is term-limited and cannot run for reelection. The crowded field vying to replace her includes three Democrats — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson — and four Republicans — U.S. Rep. John James, state Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt, former state Attorney General Mike Cox and former Speaker of the state House Tom Leonard. Running as an independent allowed Duggan to avoid the Democratic primary, but he gave up access to the party's resources. He's well-known in Detroit and the surrounding areas but largely lacks statewide name recognition. Recent fundraising numbers showed Duggan was competitive with Benson, James and Nesbitt. Only Benson's campaign raised more than Duggan's, thanks to $1.1 million she transferred from her Secretary of State campaign account. National Democratic groups, though, are certain to prioritize the Michigan race and pour money in if needed. 'A lot of people in the state are fed up with a two party system,' Duggan said. 'And it's not going to change by electing another Republican or Democrat.'
Chicago Tribune
27 minutes ago
- Chicago Tribune
Rhonda Belford: Democrats can't fight for democracy in Texas while undermining it in Illinois
Gov. JB Pritzker is once again talking about gerrymandering — just not in Illinois. This week, he welcomed Texas Democratic legislators to Oakwood, Illinois, to denounce Republican redistricting efforts in that state. But while Pritzker lectures red states about fairness, he continues to ignore the glaring problems in his own backyard. Don't forget that in 2021, Pritzker signed one of the most blatantly and aggressively gerrymandered congressional maps in the country, drawn and passed by his own party. The map created districts with lines that make my grandchildren's scribblings look like Pablo Picasso's. That map gave Democrats a clear advantage in 14 of Illinois' 17 congressional districts and earned an 'F' for fairness from the nonpartisan Princeton Gerrymandering Project. The maps weren't an accident. They deliberately cut out two Republican-leaning seats and helped lock in Democratic control. It's a stark contrast from when Pritzker was on the campaign trail. He promised to veto any map that was 'in any way drafted or created by legislators, political party leaders and/or their staffs or allies.' Pritzker campaigned with a message of hope and fairness and moving past Democrats' history of corruption. Then, at his first opportunity, Pritzker broke that promise without hesitation. 'Fairness' wasn't on Illinois Democrats' minds. Now, as he positions himself to run for president, Pritzker is outraged. While standing on his giant soapbox and projecting his moral authority, he floated the idea of redrawing even more favorable maps in Illinois. That's not democratic leadership; it's partisan gamesmanship. Let that sink in: The same man who signed, supported and pushed one of the worst partisan gerrymanders in the nation is now upset that other states are following his lead. Instead of looking in the mirror or pushing for national changes, Pritzker responds by threatening additional partisan moves that will continue to divide our state. Illinois families deserve better. They deserve fair representation, not districts drawn in backrooms to silence opposition and insulate power. When maps are rigged to favor one party, voters lose faith in our elections and our country's founding principles. The truth is, with Democratic supermajorities in Springfield, there's no one who can force Illinois Democrats to do the right thing and clean up partisan games — they need to do it themselves. If Pritzker truly wants to lead on voting rights and gerrymandering, he should start by honoring the promise he made to Illinois voters: to support an independent redistricting commission and end partisan gerrymandering in our state. Until then, his speeches about fairness will continue to ring hollow. You can't fight for democracy in Texas while undermining it in Illinois. Editorial: Illinois Supreme Court, it's time — finally — to act on gerrymanderingThe phrase 'fix your own house before criticizing your neighbor' has never been more apt. And until Pritzker refuses to rein in Illinois' partisan splintering map, his lectures about Texas ring hollow. Gerrymandering matters, and both Republicans and Democrats should do their part in making sure that there is a system that doesn't play political games. But our country won't learn how to draw better maps from the man who inked Illinois' most gerrymandered script. Before our governor lectures Texas on fairness, he should take a long, hard look at his own record — and start living up to the promises he made to the people of Illinois.
