Judge Blocks UC Funding Cuts Over Antisemitism Claims

A federal judge in San Francisco ruled Friday that the Trump administration cannot immediately withhold federal funding from the University of California system or impose fines over allegations that the university allows antisemitism and other forms of discrimination on its campuses.

U.S. District Judge Rita Lin granted a preliminary injunction in response to a lawsuit filed by labor unions and advocacy groups representing UC faculty, students and employees. The plaintiffs contend that the administration's threats and actions to cut funding amount to an unconstitutional effort to suppress dissenting views at the university, violating both the First Amendment and federal statutes protecting academic freedom.

The ruling comes amid a broader campaign by the administration targeting higher education institutions. Officials have initiated investigations into dozens of universities, accusing them of failing to eliminate racial preferences in admissions processes, which they argue contravene civil rights laws. The administration has asserted that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at these schools discriminate against white and Asian American applicants and students. President...