The University of California Board of Regents convened on November 13, 2024, to address several pressing issues impacting the university system and its stakeholders. The meeting featured discussions on intellectual property, environmental concerns, and healthcare costs, reflecting the diverse interests of the university community.

The session began with a focus on the implications of the advancing artificial intelligence landscape. A board member emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP) while fostering collaboration among various research institutions. This initiative is supported by a significant investment of $500 million from the National Science Foundation, aimed at enhancing research capabilities within the UC system. The member expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts to promote regional development through research initiatives.

Following this, Althea Medina, representing the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) at Berkeley, addressed the board regarding environmental issues stemming from the conflict in Gaza. She highlighted alarming carbon emissions resulting from military actions, which she stated exceed the annual carbon footprint of several vulnerable nations. Medina called for the university to divest from entities contributing to environmental destruction and human rights violations, drawing parallels to past divestment actions taken by the university in response to genocide in Sudan. She urged the board to act in alignment with student sentiments and international humanitarian law.

The meeting also included comments from Erin Kinotzka, a representative from Teamsters Local 2010 at UC San Diego Health Sciences. Kinotzka raised concerns about a new specialty drug tier that would significantly increase out-of-pocket costs for essential medications. She detailed how the proposed changes would raise the cost of a critical drug from $25 to $150 for a 28-day supply, representing a staggering 500% increase. Kinotzka urged the board to reconsider these changes, emphasizing the financial burden they would impose on families relying on life-saving medications.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the university's commitment to addressing critical issues ranging from technological advancements and environmental justice to healthcare affordability. The discussions reflected a strong desire among board members and representatives to align university policies with the needs and values of the student body and broader community. Further actions and resolutions are expected to follow as the board continues to navigate these complex challenges.