A federal judge in the Northern District of California has issued a sweeping preliminary injunction preventing the government from using a Task Force Policy to threaten the University of California system with funding suspensions and coercive settlement demands. The ruling expands an earlier decision that restored over $500 million in research grants to UCLA after federal agencies suspended awards without proper justification.
The 76-page order determined that officials violated the Administrative Procedure Act by opening investigations across multiple UC campuses, indefinitely canceling UCLA funding, and demanding $1.2 billion plus extensive policy changes for reinstatement. The court found that plaintiffs will likely succeed on First Amendment claims, concluding that authorities used massive funding withdrawal threats to coerce campus speech and retaliate against protected expression.
The judge rejected government requests for higher bonding requirements and a temporary stay, setting only a $100 nominal bond. Evidence showed the cancellations disrupted ongoing research projects and created chilling effects across UC laboratories and classrooms. Because the policy targeted the entire university system, the court extended injunctive relief system-wide.
The 76-page order determined that officials violated the Administrative Procedure Act by opening investigations across multiple UC campuses, indefinitely canceling UCLA funding, and demanding $1.2 billion plus extensive policy changes for reinstatement. The court found that plaintiffs will likely succeed on First Amendment claims, concluding that authorities used massive funding withdrawal threats to coerce campus speech and retaliate against protected expression.
The judge rejected government requests for higher bonding requirements and a temporary stay, setting only a $100 nominal bond. Evidence showed the cancellations disrupted ongoing research projects and created chilling effects across UC laboratories and classrooms. Because the policy targeted the entire university system, the court extended injunctive relief system-wide.
