University of California President Bans Student Group Boycotts of Israeli-Linked Companies

Michael Drake, president of the University of California system, issued an official letter prohibiting student associations across all ten UC campuses from boycotting companies connected to Israel. This directive follows guidelines from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which threatened to withhold federal grants from institutions supporting boycotts against Israel. Such a move risked jeopardizing billions of dollars in annual research funding. Drake clarified that the ban applies only to official student organizations funded by university resources and does not restrict private student clubs. The university stated, "While members of our community have the right to express their views, financial boycotts conflict with our commitment to sound business practices, academic freedom, and the free exchange of ideas."