Two unions representing about 55,000 University of California employees are holding multiday strikes starting Wednesday at UC campuses statewide, including UC Santa Cruz. Union officials say they’re striking over unfair labor practice charges they filed against the UC, accusing the university of infringing on their free speech rights.
Higher Ed
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‘We’re not in violation of the law’: Santa Cruz County schools respond to memo to end DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding
In a Friday memo from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, federal officials told schools and universities they have two weeks to end all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or risk losing federal funding. Santa Cruz County school and college leaders told Lookout that while the memo is concerning, they believe they’re not at risk of losing funding as they’re following state and federal laws.
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About 200 undocumented UCSC students and supporters march against Trump immigration policies
UC Santa Cruz undocumented students and their supporters spoke out against President Donald Trump’s attacks on the immigrant community in a march and rallies on Tuesday. They also announced a list of demands, such as providing immediate access to emergency funds and establishing a permanent physical space on campus for undocumented students, directed to UCSC officials.
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Fewer California high school seniors are applying for financial aid. Some blame Trump’s immigration policies
Applications for financial aid by high school seniors in California are down 25% compared to this time last year. Although financial aid application information has not been shared with immigration or other agencies in the past, many fear that will change.
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Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein announces retirement
Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein announced Monday night that he’ll be retiring at the end of the year – capping more than seven years of service in Santa Cruz County. He told Lookout about his favorite memories at Cabrillo and his plans for retirement.
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Cabrillo-UC Santa Cruz joint housing development continues to move forward
Cabrillo College’s governing board on Monday night approved several items related to the joint affordable-housing project with UC Santa Cruz. The trustees unanimously OK’d several agreements with the developer, Greystar Development LLC, that allow the college to continue advancing the project.
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UC Santa Cruz report details socioeconomic challenges for Black populations in Monterey, San Benito counties
Using U.S. Census Bureau data from 2018 to 2022, UC Santa Cruz researchers published a report detailing the challenges and demographics of African American populations in Monterey and San Benito counties. They hope the report will provide a baseline for why programs focused on providing equitable access to jobs, housing and health care are needed.
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Demand for immigration legal services spikes at California colleges
California’s estimated 100,000 undocumented college students are grappling with President Donald Trump’s plans of mass deportations. Dream centers on many campuses are stepping in to provide guidance and meet the skyrocketing demand for legal services from students.
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From Olympic gold to mental health advocate: Chamique Holdsclaw shares personal struggles at UCSC Martin Luther King Jr. convocation
Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Chamique Holdsclaw shared her journey with bipolar disorder and mental health advocacy at UC Santa Cruz’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation, connecting service with personal struggles.
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UCSC researchers dive into new conservation approach to protect and expand remaining kelp forests
More than 90% of kelp forests have disappeared in Northern California after a devastating underwater heat wave struck the coast. Now, researchers at UC Santa Cruz are trying to save what was left behind in a new study that helps expand and protect surviving kelp forests by selectively removing sea urchins.