If you or someone you love graduated from a campus from the University of California, you know the power of public higher education. Maybe you walked along the roads of UC Berkeley, studies in a Laboratory of UC San Diego or cheered in a UCLA graduation. You have seen what these institutions can do. They open doors, raise communities and push the limits of knowledge.
But that legacy is now under threat, and California needs his voice.
For almost 160 years, the UC system has been the engine of California progress. He has trained our doctors and teachers, promoted innovation, and has raised millions of low -income students and the first general to the middle class. Now, he faces an unprecedented assault of the second Trump administration.
Federal investigations are pointing to Campus such as Berkeley and UCLA, questioning admission practices and threatening the diversity that makes UC strong. Equity and inclusion programs are under attack. Research financing is at risk, as special on campus where students protest. Millions have already reduced the legs of national scientific budgets, paralyzing laboratories and threatening advances.
In addition to that, radical tariffs are inflating the cost of laboratory equipment, housing construction and basic supplies. Budget pressures are increasing. UC leaders have implemented contracting and leisurely freezing of critical projects. The faculty is being furtive by universities abroad. Students are taking the worst part.
This is not just a financial squeeze: it is an assault on the principles that define high -level public education: access, opportunity, research and free expression. The presentations will go far beyond the classroom.
Whether he is a father saving for the future of his son, an owner of a small business that hires the graduates of the UC, a biotechnology executive that depends on the research of the UC or a graduate, these is important for all of us. UC not only serves students. It serves all California.
UC Research Power to the industries of agriculture to clean energy. His doctors present hospitals throughout the state. Its new companies feed economic growth. His campus are from the largest employers in their regions. The UC fabric weakens California.
We are at a turning point that requests us to act, not only as voters, but as a state community.
Ex -students can contact their representatives, share how UC changed their lives and demand protection for funds, research and academic freedom. Those with media can support scholarships or vulnerable programs.
Business leaders must talk about the value of the UC for the industry, remembering legislators that a strong UC system means a strong economy.
Parents can attend municipalities and ask how elected officials will protect access, affordability and freedom of political interference.
Even if you have never stepped on a UC campus, it has benefited from its domain effects. Public higher education is a common good. When it thrives, California Prospera.
The University of California was built by and for the people of this state. It is a promise: no matter what their background or bank account, everyone deserves access to the best public education in the world.
That promise is now in danger. But he doesn’t have to get lost.
We have protected UC before: budgetary crises, registrations and political confrontations. We can do it again.
UC belongs to everyone. It is unique among public universities throughout the country, the Constitution of California gives it special protection, ensuring autonomy and protecting it from direct political interference.
Let us make sure it stays like this.
Tom Debley is a former public affairs officer at the University of California. He is retired and lives in Walnut Creek.
