EXCLUSIVE: UC Berkeley chancellor responds to federal investigation, campus turmoil

"SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The University of California was founded 157 years ago as California's first public university, and UC Berkeley quickly became its crown jewel. According to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, Berkeley ranks sixth globally and number one among public universities nationwide. The campus is a powerhouse in research and education, known for its diverse and driven student body, and a global leader across numerous fields including AI, medicine, space science, biology, and climate studies."

"As part of the government's investigation, the UC Office of the President recently directed UC Berkeley to turn over the names of about 160 students and faculty who were involved in allegations or complaints of antisemitism to federal authorities. This move sparked protests and widespread internal criticism, with many affected individuals saying they feel unsafe and unprotected."

"UC Berkeley Chancellor Richard Lyons, in a rare and exclusive interview, shared his perspective on these turbulent developments with ABC7 News Anchor Kristen Sze. You can watch part one of the interview Monday starting at 4:30 p.m. on ABC7. Lyons expressed regret over the disclosure. "I regret the outcome. We had to abide by the law, and we did. And then we notified, which was not part of the law, but we felt it was the right thing to do," Lyons said."

UC Berkeley is a highly ranked public research university and a global leader across fields such as AI, medicine, space science, biology, and climate studies. The UC system faces a federal investigation alleging inadequate responses to antisemitism on campus. Hundreds of academics, including many Jewish professors across the UC system, have characterized the inquiry as politically motivated and a threat to academic freedom. The UC Office of the President directed Berkeley to turn over about 160 names of students and faculty tied to antisemitism allegations to federal authorities. The disclosure sparked protests and internal criticism, and many affected individuals reported feeling unsafe. Chancellor Richard Lyons expressed regret and said the university had to abide by the law and chose to notify those individuals.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco