Senate rules committee advances Bob Myers' UC regent nomination amid questions on campus safety and protests

The California State Senate Rules Committee on an unspecified date advanced the nomination of Bob Myers to the University of California Board of Regents, voting 3-0 to send the confirmation to the full Senate for a final vote.

Myers, introduced to the committee as a long‑time California resident and UCLA alumnus, told senators he would prioritize student safety and said campus leadership must “make a campus safe.” He also said the regents and UC leadership must “get it right” for students while careful planning and confidentiality constrain what he could disclose about ongoing internal responses to recent incidents.

The committee’s questions centered on several matters raised by members: a recent settlement involving Jewish students who were prevented from attending classes and subjected to harassment, demonstrations and arrests at UC campuses tied to labor actions and pro‑Palestinian encampments, and how the Board of Regents should balance safety and free‑speech protections.

Senators pressed Myers on whether the UC system had adequate plans and resources to prevent similar incidents and on the financial and operational consequences of high‑value settlements. Myers did not provide specific operational plans or funding sources in the hearing; he described the issues as “serious” and said they required careful, fair‑minded responses and additional resources directed at the offices responsible for campus safety and compliance.

Committee members also asked about arrests related to protests and the department’s response to labor demonstrations. Myers said he could not discuss details of law enforcement or closed‑session items but emphasized the need for policies that protect both the safety of students and their ability to speak and protest.

After public comment (none recorded in opposition at the hearing), a committee member moved to approve the nomination and send the confirmation to the Senate floor for a full vote. The roll call recorded yes votes from Senators McGuire, Laird and Reyes and either no or not‑voting responses from other members present; the committee reported a 3‑0 vote to advance the nomination.

The hearing combined substantive questioning with extended exchanges about the emotional and historical context of antisemitism and campus climate; several senators urged that the regents, campus leadership and state lawmakers act to prevent discrimination and ensure access to classes and campus facilities for all students.

The committee’s approval sends the nomination to the full California State Senate for consideration and a final confirmation vote.

Notes on the record: the hearing transcript contains references by committee members to a recent UC settlement and to federal inquiries and executive directives related to campus harassment and discrimination; Myers and senators characterized details of ongoing legal and investigatory matters as evolving and subject to confidential proceedings.