In response to President Donald Trump’s recent threats to withhold federal funding from any scholastic institution that permits “illegal protests,” Cabrillo College maintains its commitment to free speech while ensuring campus safety.
Trump’s Statement Sparks Concerns
President Trump declared on Truth Social on March 4: “All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests. Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!” This statement immediately raised questions regarding the definition of “illegal protests” and the extent of executive authority to withhold educational funding.
Upholding Free Speech and Campus Safety
Cabrillo has long-established policies that respect and uphold First Amendment rights, including guidelines on the time, place and manner of protests. These policies are designed to protect free speech without disrupting college operations. Designated public areas, such as the quad near the flagpole, are available for protests, provided they do not interfere with classes or campus activities.
“Protests are allowed, and if students wanted to conduct a protest, they would have to get approval to do it in a particular space,” explained Dr. Matt Wetstein, president of Cabrillo College. “As long as the protest doesn’t impede students having the ability to get to class or it doesn’t disrupt classes, that kind of activity is allowed.”
No Policy Changes Despite Federal Threats
Despite potential federal actions, Cabrillo has not yet modified its protest policies. The school emphasizes non-discriminatory practices, allowing diverse viewpoints without suppressing speech – which is common among most public colleges and universities. This approach aligns with legal precedents that ensure that all expressions, even those that may be offensive, are permitted as long as they do not cross legal boundaries.
“There are no changes being made to the policy,” Wetstein said. “As an institution that allows speech in public spaces, the key is to not be discriminatory. You have to be free of what’s called viewpoint discrimination.”
Confidence in Federal Funding
Cabrillo officials are confident that adherence to existing laws and policies will protect federal funding the college receives. The school also continues to emphasize that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives can coexist with principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination. Programs targeting underrepresented students are still open to all, maintaining compliance with federal regulations while supporting marginalized communities.
Wetstein stated, “I’ve told our program managers for federal funding that if we continue to follow the law and do what we’re doing, we really don’t have to be concerned about losing federal funding.”
He added, “you can do, for example, DEI work that’s tied to these grants at the same time that you honor principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination.”
Keeping the College Community Informed
To ensure transparency, Cabrillo circulates information through student newsletters and “know your rights” forums. Resources, including bilingual posters and flyers, inform students about their rights and available support, reinforcing the college’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
“We really try to keep our students informed of everything through our all-student E-news distributions,” said Kristin Fabos, director of marketing and communications. “There’s also opportunities for students to attend ‘know your rights’ forums, and we’ve created some posters that prescribe Cabrillo College as a safe place for all students, staff, and faculty.”
Preparedness for Legal Challenges
Leadership is monitoring federal actions that could impact local institutional policies, and said they are prepared to engage legal counsel to defend the college’s mission, particularly in areas related to DEI initiatives and free speech protections.
“Part of my role is to calm fears and let people know that just because a letter comes out from an agency office, it doesn’t mean it has the force of law,” Wetstein explained. “We have good legal representation, and our mission is to keep doing what we’re doing.”
Board of Trustees’ Support
The Board of Trustees has demonstrated support for Cabrillo College’s position by passing resolutions opposing federal actions that seem discriminatory. These resolutions highlight the college’s commitment to protecting the rights of all community members, including immigrants and those affected by sudden changes in federal policies.
“At the last board meeting, they issued a statement in resolution of support against the Trump administration’s most recent action,” Fabos said.
