Berkeley Mayor Blasts High Court's UC Enrollment Cap Ruling

BERKELEY, CA — Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín on Thursday blasted a high court rulingearlier in the day that effectively forces one of the world’s most prestigious public universities to slash enrollment.

The California Supreme Court on Thursday ruled against the UC Berkeley’s appeal for relief from a lower court ruling ordering the school to slash enrollment next fall.

The school will have to cut enrollmentby approximately 3,000 students, The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

“I am disappointed that the Court denied UC’s request to stay the decision to freeze enrollment at 2020 levels,” Arreguín said in a statement he posted on Twitter.

“Freezing enrollment at pandemic levels and denying thousands of highly qualified students a world class education is wrong.”

A lower court previously ordered the university to cut enrollment in response to a lawsuit by some community members, citing the ongoing housing crisis.

The court’s 4-2 ruling is expected to cost the university millions of dollars in lost tuition, the report said.

“The city supported UC’s request for a stay because we believe students are a valuable part of our community,” Arreguín said.

“While the University must grow responsibly, it should not come at the expense of closing the door to students.

“While it may be too late to help thousands of students who are getting rejection letters, I hope that the courts ultimately make the right decision, and that the Legislature moves quickly to allow student housing projects to move forwards without procedural delays.”

Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) joined the Berkeley mayor in assailing the court's ruling.

“As a Cal alum, I know personally how life changing it can be to attend UC Berkeley," Ting said in a statement.

"I’m disappointed in the California Supreme Court’s decision to deny Cal’s request for a stay. I’m also angry on behalf of the thousands of students who had their hearts set on attending the country’s most prestigious public university and now may not be admitted through no fault of their own. I have been in contact with UC leadership, and the Legislature is exploring a variety of options.”