The University of California announced today (Feb. 8) that it is launching the Double the Pell campaign to urge Congress and the new federal administration to charter a more affordable pathway to higher education for America’s students and families.

The University is an essential economic engine for the state, supporting over half a million jobs and contributing to the economy in every region. 

The orderly transfer of power has been a hallmark of our American democracy for more than two centuries. The shocking display of lawless violence in the nation’s capital on January 6 was an horrific, and ultimately tragic, affront to our national dignity. The University of California cherishes the free speech right of the people “peaceably to assemble” to share their grievances. But that is not what occurred in Washington, D.C., yesterday. We must stand together — regardless of political party or point of view — to condemn the violence on Wednesday and to uphold, protect and defend our bedrock values.