American Association of University Professors et al v. Trump et al - Administrative Procedure Act Challenge
Summary
The American Association of University Professors and several labor unions filed suit against President Trump and federal agencies in N.D. California (Case No. 3:25-cv-07864-RFL) on September 16, 2025, alleging unlawful cancellation of hundreds of millions in research grants to the University of California. Plaintiffs claim First Amendment violations, statutory procedure violations, Tenth Amendment anti-commandeering, separation of powers violations, Fifth Amendment Due Process violations, and arbitrary and capricious conduct under the Administrative Procedure Act. They seek an injunction and declaration that defendants' conduct is unlawful.
What changed
Several labor unions and faculty associations representing University of California members filed this federal lawsuit challenging grant cancellations they allege were designed to coerce institutional compliance with federal demands. The complaint asserts violations of constitutional protections including free speech and Due Process, along with statutory procedure violations and Tenth Amendment anti-commandeering claims, seeking injunctive relief and a declaration that the federal conduct was unlawful.\n\nUniversities and academic institutions receiving significant federal research funding should monitor this case closely. The case schedule has been stipulated and the court granted pro hac vice motions in March 2026, indicating active litigation. The outcome could affect how federal agencies handle grant cancellations and whether conditions on government funding pass constitutional scrutiny.
What to do next
- Review federal grant agreements for compliance conditions that could be challenged
- Assess institutional exposure to similar funding actions
- Monitor litigation developments for precedential rulings on APA and constitutional claims
Source document (simplified)
American Association of University Professors et al v. Trump et al
Case Number: 3:25-cv-07864-RFL Judge: Lin, Rita F. Location: San Francisco Case Type: Civil Case Basis: U.S. Government Defendant Nature of Suit: Other Statutes: Administrative Procedures Act/Review or Appeal of Agency Decision Date Filed:
September 16, 2025
Last Filing Date:
January 29, 2026
View Publicly Available Documents Case Summary This is an action filed by several labor unions and associations who state that they collectively represent tens of thousands of faculty, students, and employees throughout the University of California (“UC”). Plaintiffs allege that President Donald Trump and various federal agencies and their heads have unlawfully canceled hundreds of millions in research grants to the UC and have threatened further cuts in order to coerce the UC into complying with defendants’ demands. Plaintiffs allege that defendants’ conduct violates their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association, is contrary to the procedures outlined in various federal statutes, violates the Tenth Amendment’s anti-commandeering doctrine, the separation of powers doctrine, and the Fifth Amendment Due Process Clause, and is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. They seek an injunction, and for the Court to declare defendants’ conduct unlawful.
Recent Filings
| Date Filed | Docket Number | Document Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03-30-26 | 122 | MOTION for leave to appear in Pro Hac Vice ( Filing fee $ 328, receipt number ACANDC-21809153.) filed by American Association of University Professors, American Federation of Teachers, COMMITTEE OF INTERNS AND RESIDENTS, SERVICE EMPL |
| 03-27-26 | 120 | STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER Re: Case Schedule filed by AFSCME Local 3299, American Association of University Professors, American Federation of Teachers, Berkeley Faculty Association, COMMITTEE OF INTERNS AND RESIDENTS, SERVICE EMPLOYEE |
| 03-27-26 | 121 | ORDER by Judge Rita F. Lin granting [119] Motion for Pro Hac Vice. (afm, COURT STAFF) |
| 03-26-26 | 119 | MOTION for leave to appear in Pro Hac Vice ( Filing fee $ 328, receipt number ACANDC-21801558.) filed by American Association of University Professors, American Federation of Teachers, COMMITTEE OF INTERNS AND RESIDENTS, SERVICE EMPL |
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