UC Regents Meeting Highlights Budget Cuts and Faculty Layoffs Amid Public Criticism

In a meeting marked by urgency and concern, the Investments Committee of the University of California convened on July 15, 2025, to address pressing issues affecting faculty, staff, and students across the UC system. As the session began, the committee welcomed public comments, emphasizing the importance of open discourse and the right to free expression within higher education.

The atmosphere was charged as over 35 individuals signed up to voice their concerns, many of whom were directly impacted by recent budget cuts and layoffs. Among the first to speak was Josh Burhinski, a lecturer from UC Santa Cruz, who highlighted the distressing news of 80 lecturer layoffs despite the absence of budget cuts. He described the turmoil within the German language program, which faced significant reductions, leaving students confused and desperate for classes.

Dr. Austin Wei, a psychiatry resident from UC Riverside, passionately demanded fair wages for residents, pointing out the stark contrast between the proposed minimum wage for new hires and the substantial salary increases for UC executives. His colleague, Dr. Victoria Fleming from UC Irvine, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the financial struggles faced by residents who provide critical care in underserved areas.

The meeting also saw parents and faculty expressing their frustrations. Dawn Callai, a parent of a recent UCLA graduate, urged the regents to take hiring practices seriously to ensure a bias-free educational environment. Meanwhile, Loretta Gaffney, a lecturer at UCLA, called for an end to damaging budget cuts that threaten the quality of education and faculty stability.

As the comments unfolded, the theme of financial inequity became increasingly apparent. Many speakers, including Dr. Doreen Seidler Feller, a member of the Jewish faculty resilience group, urged the regents to articulate the university's stance against antisemitism and to ensure that hiring practices reflect a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the testimonies of healthcare workers, including Chevelle, a clinical research coordinator, who warned that staffing shortages and layoffs were compromising patient care. Max Belasco, an IT worker, expressed the frustration of many employees who felt disrespected by the administration's handling of negotiations.

As the meeting progressed, student leaders like Diego, the student body president at UCLA, voiced their concerns about the future of diversity initiatives and support programs, which are crucial for the success of students from various backgrounds. He criticized the regents' recent policies that limit student government actions, calling for a more supportive and inclusive environment.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency and a call for action. The voices of faculty, staff, and students resonated throughout the session, highlighting the need for the UC system to prioritize fair wages, job security, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. As the regents listened, the implications of their decisions loomed large, with the future of the university's educational mission hanging in the balance.