Federal Update Brief

Dear UC colleagues,

The UC Office of the President continues to assess, respond, and prepare for news and policy updates from Washington, D.C. Below, please find highlights of our latest efforts, including a video message from UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., to the UC community about the fast-moving developments we are all facing.

In addition, President Drake has shared a message on a recent “Dear Colleague” letter from the U.S. Department of Education and the University's response.

You can keep up with relevant news on our Federal Updates site and join in advocacy efforts through the UC Advocacy Network, which recently launched a campaign focused on NIH funding and biomedical research.

I want to thank the many colleagues across the UC system who have contributed to our recent efforts to speak out on behalf of the University share important information about UC’s contributions with key audiences. Our voices are stronger together.

Best,

Meredith

Senior Vice President
External Relations & Communications
UC Office of the President

A Note from President Michael V. Drake

On Friday, February 14, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights distributed broadly a “Dear Colleague” letter regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The letter provided guidance on the Education Department’s interpretation of existing anti-discrimination laws and indicates how the Office of Civil Rights may assess compliance with certain legal requirements. UC leadership across the system is working with members of our community to evaluate the potential impact and implications of the letter and will provide updates or guidance as appropriate. As many in our community are aware, the University of California has been operating under longstanding state law requirements and does not consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in our practices.

The University of California’s mission is built on teaching, research, healthcare, and public service for the benefit of all Californians. To meet our ambitious goals, we provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds to study, teach, conduct research, work, provide quality patient care, and thrive at UC. Different perspectives and experiences enrich and improve our academic, research, and service outcomes.

Our mission and values have not changed. We encourage UC staff to continue with their work in alignment with all applicable state and federal laws. We will continue to ensure that every Californian has the opportunity to join the UC community and feels welcome at our campuses.  We are committed to ensuring that our campuses benefit from the talents and aspirations of all, as we create a vibrant workforce for future generations.

Sincerely,

Michael V. Drake, M.D.
President, University of California

University Response & Communications

• NIH funding advocacy:
  
  • Researchers at UC are collecting signatures in support of NIH funding in advance of the Temporary Restraining Order court hearing on February 21. Please consider sharing widely with research colleagues both in California and across the country.
  • The UC Advocacy Network (UCAN) campaign to email lawmakers about the NIH funding changes continues, with momentum building across the system. A follow up UCAN phone call campaign will launch in the near future.

• UC Health
  
  • Executive Vice President of UC Health David Rubin shared a regarding NIH funding, CDC impacts, and UC’s commitment to continue to provide quality health care across the state of California.

• Student financial aid: The University is closely monitoring developments at the U.S. Department of Education and evaluating its potential impact on our current and prospective students’ ability to access federal financial aid. We remain committed to keeping UC affordable and accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. The UC Office of the President and campus financial aid offices will provide students and families with updates on federal, state and university financial aid as they become available.

New Resources

• Myths vs. Facts: With many misunderstandings circulating about NIH F&A cost rates, UC developed a Myths vs. Facts Sheet to directly clarify and counter misconceptions.

Media Highlights

• Colleges, K-12 schools ordered by Trump administration to abolish DEI or face funding cuts: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-02-17/education-department-will-cut-funding-unless-schools-abolish-dei
• Trump Administration Tells Schools to Ditch DEI Policies or Lose Funding: https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/18/dept-of-ed-warns-schools-to-ditch-dei-programs-or-lose-funding/
• San Diego researchers face big losses if court allows Trump funding cuts: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/02/17/san-diego-researchers-face-big-losses-if-court-allows-trump-funding-cuts/
• UC Davis professor on proposed NIH cuts: Public health cannot be treated as a political pawn (opinion): https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article300359274.html

For ongoing updates and resources, please visit the UC Federal Updates website.