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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.
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Ashley Balderrama
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LAist
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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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