The University of California Board of Regents convened on November 13, 2024, addressing critical issues affecting students and staff across the UC system. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding food security, healthcare costs, and campus climate, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities within the university.

One of the most pressing topics discussed was the reduction of meal swipe hours at UCLA's dining facilities. A representative from UCLA's Black Bruin Resource Center emphasized that the limited hours—from 11 AM to 3:50 PM—pose a significant barrier for students, particularly those who rely on food pantries and meal swipes for sustenance. This change disproportionately affects black students, undocumented students, and others facing food insecurity. The representative called for an extension of meal swipe hours to 8 PM and the establishment of additional food closets on campus to better serve students' needs.

Healthcare costs also emerged as a major concern during the meeting. Elizabeth Funchal, a nurse at UCSF, voiced the collective outrage of healthcare workers regarding steep increases in health insurance premiums, which could rise by as much as $800 a month for some families. Funchal expressed solidarity with workers planning to strike, emphasizing that these rising costs are unsustainable for those who provide essential care to patients.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the campus climate for Jewish students. Shahar Lee, a UC alum and campus regional manager for Stand With Us, reported that while some improvements have been noted, many Jewish students still feel unsafe and unsupported. Lee urged the Regents to enforce policies that protect all students from discrimination and to promote education about antisemitism within the university community.

The discussions at this Board meeting underscore the urgent need for the University of California to address systemic issues affecting its diverse student body and staff. As the Regents consider these concerns, the implications of their decisions will resonate throughout the UC system, impacting student retention, health care access, and campus safety. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further dialogue and action on these critical issues, signaling a potential shift towards more inclusive and supportive policies for all members of the UC community.