Cal State L.A. joins nationwide stand against political attacks on higher education

By Destiny Durant/ Cal State L.A.’s UT Community News

Amid escalating political interference, Cal State L.A. President Berenecea Johnson Eanes has joined more than 600 university leaders – including 15 from other CSU campuses – in signing a national letter defending academic freedom.

Eanes’ signature earlier this month comes after faculty members urged the university to take a stand against what they describe as dangerous federal attacks on diversity, academic freedom, and student rights — especially those affecting immigrant, queer, and trans communities.

The letter was published last month on the American Association of Colleges and Universities website and, as of May 12, had been signed by presidents from 627 universities and colleges. It opens with a call for “constructive engagement”:

“As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.”

In a passionate email to colleagues, Cal State L.A. professor and California Faculty Association (CFA) member Molly Talcott spoke out against universities being targeted. “Our faculty union is rooted in antiracism and social justice,” they wrote. “We oppose the federal attacks on DEIB [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging], and we oppose the attacks on academic freedom that are disguised as concern with ‘antisemitism.’”

Talcott’s message referenced recent threats against students who participated in protests, saying some are being detained or threatened with deportation.

“We oppose the antidemocratic acts of kidnapping, incarcerating, and threatening with deportation university students,” they said. “These are students who are engaging in conscientious protest, who are using their First Amendment rights.”

Erik Hollins, executive director of Cal State L.A.’s Strategic Communications office, said earlier this month that President Eanes not only signed the letter but has been vocal about the university’s position on such matters.

“In various campus messages, we have reiterated our support for members of our undocumented, international, and LGBTQ+ communities,” Hollins wrote in an email. “Ultimately, we think Cal State L.A.’s ongoing good work – honoring the diversity and vibrancy of Los Angeles – will be our best representation of the university’s commitment to academic freedom and equitable access to higher education.”

Talcott expressed concern that university leaders across the country are choosing silence over action: “We oppose the tactic some university presidents are taking, which amounts to ‘let’s keep quiet and hope the Trump administration leaves us alone.’”

Eanes’ signature, Talcott said, will help put Cal State L.A. “on the courageous and correct side of history.” “About two-thirds of our students are Pell Grant eligible — the highest in the CSU — and they are under serious threat from federal policies.”

The open letter was signed as a collective response to what academic leaders see as a nationwide trend of political interference, including proposed funding cuts and restrictions on research and diversity initiatives. 

“We believe in using our voice to say what we stand for, and to imagine and organize for the kind of CSU we all deserve,” Talcott said.

Sasha Funes contributed to this report.