The University of California Board of Regents meeting on November 14, 2024, highlighted pressing concerns regarding campus safety, staff equity, and the impact of rising living costs on university employees. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including students and staff, who voiced their experiences and concerns.

Shahar Lee, a UC alum and representative of the nonprofit Stay With Us, emphasized the importance of ensuring safety for Jewish students on campus. Lee urged the Regents to uphold policies that promote respectful dialogue and protect all students, regardless of their background. This call for equal treatment was echoed by other speakers who expressed concerns about rising antisemitism and the normalization of hate speech on campuses.

Amy, a long-serving staff member at UC Irvine, highlighted the financial struggles faced by non-represented staff, noting that her salary is significantly below market rate. She urged the Regents to address salary disparities that have worsened due to the rising cost of living in California. This sentiment was shared by Paige Majia from UC Riverside, who detailed her own financial challenges and called for equitable salary increases for all staff members.

The meeting also addressed the broader implications of campus climate. Sher Diner, a student at UC Irvine, raised alarms about anti-Israel rhetoric and events that have contributed to a hostile environment for Jewish students. Diner called for the Regents to uphold standards against hate speech, drawing parallels to how similar rhetoric targeting other groups would be treated.

In contrast, Claire Baker, a law student, criticized the UC's financial investments in Israel, linking them to alleged human rights violations. She urged the Regents to reconsider their financial commitments in light of ongoing conflicts.

The discussions underscored a critical moment for the University of California system as it navigates complex issues of safety, equity, and the impact of socio-political dynamics on campus life. The Regents are expected to consider these testimonies as they move forward with policies aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all students and staff.