The president of the University of California, Michael Drake, has reiterated that student governments are not allowed to initiate financial boycotts of companies connected to any particular country. Drake emphasized that while academic freedom and free speech are essential, financial decisions must be based on sound business practices, including competitive bidding. UC representative Rachel Zaentz supported this view, stating that financial boycotts contradict the university commitments. The context includes increased scrutiny of antisemitism on campuses, especially amid heightened pro-Palestinian protests and new federal funding regulations linked to the boycott of Israel.
Michael Drake reaffirmed that student governments at the University of California must not engage in financial boycotts, highlighting that such actions conflict with sound business practices.
Drake's letter emphasized that while freedom of speech is important, financial decisions within the university must be based on competitive bidding and sound business principles.
UC spokesperson Rachel Zaentz stated that financial boycotts are inconsistent with the university’s commitment to sound business practices, academic freedom, and the exchange of ideas.
The Trump administration's investigations into antisemitism on college campuses coincide with a push against financial boycotts, requiring compliance from research grantees.
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