Governor Newsom appoints four new regents and reappoints two
California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed four new members to the University of California (UC) Board of Regents on March 23. Newsom also re-appointed two board members.
The board consists of 26 members and makes decisions for the UC regarding systemwide policies and financial affairs. The new members consist of alumnus of multiple UCs and businessman Carl “Chip” Robertson, businesswoman and nonprofit board member Dorene Dominguez, director and former lecturer in American Indian studies Mabelle Hueston and former state assembly member and public affairs partner John “Rusty” Areias.
“Each brings new perspectives and a depth of experience that will strengthen our board and serve the University of California,” UC President James B. Milliken said in a statement. “I look forward to working with them as we build on the University’s extraordinary legacy of academic excellence, life-saving research, and world-class patient care.”
UCLA alumna and regent since 2019, Janet Reilly, and Greg Sarris, who has been a regent since 2023, were reappointed.
“I am grateful to them both for their collaboration and commitment to our University,” Milliken’s statement read.
UC revises AFSCME contract amid contract negotiations
UC administrators presented the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) 3299 with a revised contract last week. The agreement proposal included a 32% wage increase throughout the contract’s length and a 7.5% healthcare cap, according to a UC press release.
AFSCME represents 40,000 service workers and other medical employees across the UC. According to the release, contract negotiations began in January 2024.
The UC also proposed a bonus of up to $1,000 for employees represented by the union. With negotiations ongoing, both parties will reconvene on April 21.
“Reaching an agreement would provide employees with greater certainty and access to these benefits as soon as possible,” the release read.
Department of Justice investigates UCSD School of Medicine
The Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an investigation into the UC San Diego School of Medicine for its alleged use of “race discrimination” in its admission process. UCSD is one of the three schools to which the Trump administration sent a letter with demands on March 25.
According to The New York Times, the DOJ demanded that Stanford University, The Ohio State University and UCSD relinquish “extensive” data on admissions by April 24. Failing to comply with this demand may lead to the loss of federal funding.
“At this time, our investigation will focus on possible race discrimination in medical school admissions,” DOJ Assistant Attorney Harmeet K. Dhillon said in the letters.
Some of the information in the requested data includes test scores, home ZIP codes and potential ties to university donors. The DOJ also requested internal messages about diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, as well as correspondence with pharmaceutical companies.
“UC San Diego is committed to fair process in all of our programs and activities, including admissions, consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws,” UCSD communications said in a statement.
A version of this article appeared on p. 2 of the April 16 print edition of the Daily Nexus.
