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UCLA faculty say top leaders need to do more to defend immigrant students
UCLA faculty are asking the school to provide legal aid and other assistance for international students who need it.
(
Ashley Balderrama
/
LAist
)
Topline:
The UCLA Faculty Association says university leaders have done little to speak up for a graduate student detained by federal officials.
The backstory: A UCLA vice chancellor confirmed Thursday that U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained a student who was returning from Mexico. The Trump administration has revoked the visas of over 1,500 international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and is targeting students who’ve taken part in protests critical of Israel’s war in Gaza.
UCLA’s response: “Our international students are an essential part of our Bruin community, and we remain fully committed to supporting their ability to learn and thrive at UCLA,” said Mary Osako, vice chancellor for strategic communications, in a statement.
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What the faculty association says: The association wants more guarantees from the university, including to provide legal aid for students, defend them in court and to ensure detained students can continue their education remotely.
Why it matters: Faculty at other universities have pushed for a stronger response to the administration, and how UCLA responds now could be telling. The Trump administration opened investigations last month against UCLA for alleged use of affirmative action methods in admissions and, along with other UC campuses, for possible discrimination against Jewish employees on campus.
There is help for students: UCLA international students can get help through the campus Dashew Center, which includes info on counseling and referrals to lawyers.
Go deeper: Where international student visas are being revoked
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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