UC Santa Cruz receives grant to tackle antisemitism and hate speech on campus

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV)- With an increase in hate speech and anti-Semitism on campuses, UC Santa Cruz has received a grant to eliminate discrimination on their campus.

The university confirmed that they will be receiving a $500,000 grant from the University of California Chancellor's office as they are looking to eliminate discrimination throughout UC campuses.

UC Santa Cruz reported multiple incidents on and off campuses where students allegedly celebrated Adolf Hitler's birthday cake and hate symbols along with anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQIA+ filer on their windsheld.

Anju Reejhsingshani who is the vice chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the University says the funding is not just about safety and security but building a stronger community.

"The goal is to bring in specialists who can talk to our community members around antisemitism, Islamophobia, forms of hate that affect, different religious and ethnic and racial minority groups," Reejhsinghani said.

As a system wide imitative, $7 million will be going to various UC campuses in total.

The funding will be directed towards mental health and trauma support plus leadership training for students and staff.