Investigation Launched into Berkeley Protest
The Department of Education has initiated a review concerning the “violent protest” that disrupted a Turning Point USA event earlier this month at the University of California, Berkeley. The department is investigating whether the university may have breached federal safety regulations.
The office of Federal Student Aid will assess if Berkeley violated the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, which mandates that institutions receiving federal student assistance adhere to specific security standards.
On November 10, protesters clashed with police and intimidated attendees during the last stop on Turning Point USA’s national campus tour. At least four individuals were arrested during these confrontations.
The Department of Justice has also launched an investigation into the incident, alongside one from the university itself.
This protest occurred exactly two months after Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically killed by a gunman during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon remarked, “Just two months after Charlie Kirk’s assassination on a college campus, UC Berkeley allowed a protest against a Turning Point USA event to escalate into violence, endangering its students and staff.” She emphasized that this review aims to ensure compliance with legal obligations regarding campus safety and security.
McMahon further stated that the Department would thoroughly investigate to guarantee that federal funding recipients are not putting their students at risk. She clarified that this inquiry is not about suppressing peaceful protests but about ensuring accurate crime reporting and student safety in educational settings.
The Education Department noted Berkeley’s history of Clery Act violations, including a $2.4 million fine in 2020 for misclassifying crimes and maintaining inadequate public crime logs. The department will continue monitoring UC Berkeley’s compliance with federal regulations through periodic visits.
