Laid Off UCSD Library Workers Demand Accountability From UC Regents Amid Budget Cuts

The University of California Board of Regents meeting on July 13, 2025, featured a series of poignant testimonies from laid-off employees, students, and advocates, highlighting significant concerns regarding budget cuts, layoffs, and the treatment of marginalized communities within the UC system.

The meeting commenced with Vanessa, a former physical administrator at UC San Diego's Geisel Library, who shared her emotional experience of being laid off. She emphasized the impact of her job loss not only on her career but also on her family’s stability and future. Vanessa criticized the decision to cut staff, arguing that it undermines the essential role of library workers in maintaining a vibrant educational environment.

Following her, Alicia Royce, a member of the Undergraduate Students Association Council, addressed the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized students and staff. She called for the Regents to prioritize equity and support for international and undocumented students, urging them to resist federal pressures that threaten diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

John Espiritu, another laid-off library employee, echoed similar sentiments, expressing disappointment over the perceived mismanagement of funds and the disproportionate budget cuts affecting library services. He urged the Regents to reconsider the layoffs and recognize the value of library work.

Denise Luna, Director of Higher Education Policy at Ed Trust West, highlighted the challenges faced by mixed-status families in accessing financial aid due to fears of sharing personal information with federal authorities. She requested that the UC system provide additional institutional aid to support these students.

Candy Stangler, a pregnant former employee, passionately criticized the layoffs, emphasizing the negative impact on patient care and safety. She called for the Regents to rescind the layoffs, arguing that they jeopardize the well-being of both staff and patients.

Martha, a laid-off medical assistant, expressed her frustration over the disparity between executive compensation and the treatment of workers. She highlighted the strain on healthcare services due to staff shortages and called for a reevaluation of the university's priorities.

Evelyn Purcell, a microbiology laboratory worker, voiced her dissatisfaction with the university's handling of wage increases and healthcare costs, demanding fair treatment for workers who contribute to the institution's success.

Andrew Martinez, a senior custodian, shared his concerns about job security and the rising cost of healthcare, emphasizing the need for the university to prioritize the welfare of its employees.

Darren Clark, a union carpenter, raised alarms about safety issues in construction projects, urging the Regents to address serious structural concerns that could endanger public safety.

Nancy Jedaitis, an advocate for equitable access to financial aid, reiterated the need for support for undocumented students, emphasizing the importance of closing financial aid gaps.

Finally, Harim Yoon, a disabled student representative, criticized the university's restrictive policies that hinder disabled students' participation in public discussions, calling for more inclusive practices.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from various stakeholders: the need for the UC Board of Regents to prioritize the well-being of its employees and students, address budgetary concerns transparently, and ensure equitable access to resources and support for all members of the university community. The testimonies underscored a collective demand for accountability and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.