A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the administration from freezing University of California research funding amid civil‑rights investigations, calling the federal actions part of a coordinated 'playbook' to pressure campuses. The ruling criticized what it described as attempts to use investigations to force policy changes and tied the moves to broader political pressure on higher education. The decision underscores growing legal resistance on campuses as institutions, faculty groups and unions challenge federal tactics. Higher‑ed leaders are now balancing litigation, compliance with investigations, and outreach to preserve research funding and institutional autonomy while confronting increased oversight from multiple federal agencies.