Current:Home > ContactUniversity of California accused of labor violations over handling of campus protests -MoneyStream
University of California accused of labor violations over handling of campus protests
View
Date:2025-04-15 06:11:28
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Faculty have accused the University of California system of labor violations over what they say was a sweeping campaign to suppress pro-Palestinian speech and campus protests across the state earlier this year.
The Council of University of California Faculty Associations made the allegations in a complaint filed last week with the state Public Employment Relations Board. Faculty associations at seven UC campuses co-signed the unfair labor practice charge, including Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Berkeley, Davis and San Francisco, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.
The council said UC administrators have threatened faculty for teaching about the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and launched disciplinary proceedings for those supporting on-campus student encampments.
The group’s president, Constance Penley, described the university’s actions as a “relentless campaign to chill faculty’s exercise of their academic freedom and to deter them from teaching about the war in a way that does not align with the university’s position,” according to the Times.
Protest camps sprang up across the U.S. in the spring, including at UC campuses, as students demanded that their universities cease doing business with Israel or companies they said supported the war in Gaza.
California faculty have also been investigated for pro-Palestine social media posts, arrested for exercising their free speech rights and were surveilled and intimidated by university representatives, the state filing alleges.
The Times said that months after police cleared pro-Palestinian encampments at universities, the fallout has continued at campuses statewide, with university officials implementing new protest rules and student protesters grappling with ongoing suspensions and holds on their records.
The university system defended its actions. UC spokesperson Heather Hansen pointed to a university statement previously filed with the state labor board in response to an earlier filing by the UCLA Faculty Association.
The university stated that while it “supports free speech and lawful protests,” it must also “ensure that all of its community members can safely continue to study, work, and exercise their rights, which is why it has in place policies that regulate the time, place, and manner for protest activities on its campuses.”
The Public Employee Relations Board will review and evaluate the case, and decide whether to dismiss the charge or proceed with having parties negotiate a settlement. If no settlement is reached, the case would be scheduled for a formal hearing before an administrative law judge.
veryGood! (66795)
Related
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Feeling caucus confusion? Your guide to how Iowa works
- A Colorado funeral home owner accused of abandoning dozens of bodies may be close to leaving jail
- President of Belarus gives himself immunity from prosecution and limits potential challengers
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Katt Williams accuses Cedric the Entertainer of stealing his 'best joke' from the '90s
- Sandra Bullock Spreads Late Partner Bryan Randall's Ashes in Wyoming
- Houthis launch sea drone to attack ships hours after US, allies issue ‘final warning’
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Teen kills 6th grader, wounds 5 others and takes own life in Iowa high school shooting, police say
Ranking
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Charles Melton Reveals the Diet That Helped Him Gain 40 Pounds for May December Role
- Family whose son died in accidental shooting fights to change gun safety laws
- Ciara learns she's related to New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter after DNA test
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Jeffrey Epstein document release highlights his sprawling connections across states
- Florida man charged with threatening to kill US Rep Eric Swalwell and his children
- Families in Gaza search desperately for food and water, wait in long lines for aid
Recommendation
Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
Prosecutors accuse Rays shortstop Wander Franco of commercial sexual exploitation, money laundering
Jan. 6 Proud Boys defendant who led law enforcement on manhunt sentenced to 10 years in prison
Chick-fil-A is bringing back Mango Passion Sunjoy, adding 3 new drinks: How you can order
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Ukraine unleashes more drones and missiles at Russian areas as part of its new year strategy
AP Week in Pictures: North America
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden's Love Story Really Is the Sweetest Thing