University of California reiterates student governments are barred from boycotting Israel

SAN FRANCISCO — The president of the University of California reiterates that student governments are prohibited from financial boycotts of companies associated with any particular country, including Israel, as the Trump administration continues its probe of alleged antisemitism on college campuses.

Michael Drake doesn’t mention Israel by name, but he does single out student governments in a letter he sent to chancellors of the university system. He says that while freedom of speech and inquiry are core commitments of the university, its policies also require that financial decisions be grounded in sound business practices, such as competitive bidding.

“This principle also applies to student governments,” he writes. “Actions by University entities to implement boycotts of companies based on their association with a particular country would not align with these sound business practices.”

UC spokesperson Rachel Zaentz says in a statement that the letter is in keeping with the university’s opposition to financial boycotts of companies associated with a particular country.

“While our community members have the right to express their viewpoints, financial boycotts are inconsistent with UC’s commitment to sound business practices, academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas,” she says.