The decision comes as the Trump administration continues implementing policies aimed at discouraging boycotts of Israel at institutions of higher education.
By Shula Rosen
University of California System President Professor Michael Drake announced a new policy barring student associations across the university’s campuses from adopting financial boycotts against companies and organizations connected to Israel, saying such measures conflict with the university’s institutional principles.
The directive applies to student governments and associations but does not extend to private student clubs.
In announcing the policy, the university said, “While members of our community have the right to express their views, financial boycotts are not consistent with our commitment to sound business practices, academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas.”
The decision comes as the Trump administration continues implementing policies aimed at discouraging boycotts of Israel at institutions of higher education.
Under that policy, colleges and universities that boycott Israel risk losing federal grants that can total billions of dollars.
The move drew criticism from the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), which argued that the directive restricts campus activism.
In a statement, the organization said: “President Drake’s directive effectively banning student governments from boycotting companies associated with Israel is a deeply troubling continuation of the UC system’s ongoing attempts to suppress students and faculty standing in support of Palestinian human rights.”
The announcement follows additional action by the Trump administration related to higher education. In April, President Trump signed an executive order requiring American colleges and universities to disclose all foreign funding.
The order was issued amid concerns from Jewish and pro-Israel organizations that foreign governments, including Qatar and Iran, were promoting anti-Israel discourse on US campuses through financial support.
The University of California’s policy establishes a distinction between the activities of officially recognized student governments and those of private student organizations.
While individual clubs remain free to determine their own positions, student associations operating as part of the university system will no longer be permitted to adopt institutional financial boycott policies targeting companies or organizations linked to Israel.
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