The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), to reinstate Dr. Rupa Marya and publicly affirm that it will safeguard academic freedom and free speech.
In a September 22 letter to Chancellor Sam Hawgood, CAIR-SFBA objected to UCSF’s May 2025 termination of Dr. Rupa Marya, which followed her September 2024 placement on investigatory leave and suspension of privileges over social-media posts. The university cited a “hostile environment,” relying largely on subjective and anonymous complaints. Although the report referenced potential patient harm, no evidence of threats, incitement, or safety incidents was presented, and Dr. Marya reportedly has 22 years at UCSF without patient-safety issues.
SEE: CAIR-SFBA Letter to UCSF Chancellor
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Civil Rights Managing Attorney Jeffrey Wang said:
“Public institutions cannot rebrand protected political speech as misconduct. Relying on vague standards and anonymous grievances to punish speech invites viewpoint discrimination, chills legitimate debate, and violates the constitutional and academic-freedom principles UCSF is obligated to uphold.”
CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo added:
“We believe this is a clear case of a respected physician being targeted for her critiques of U.S. and foreign government policies, particularly those critical of Zionism. We’re calling on UCSF to reverse this decision, be transparent about any evidence it relied upon, and adopt clear safeguards so faculty and students can speak without fear of retaliation. Universities should be places where difficult ideas are debated, not where critics are silenced.”
CAIR-SFBA urged UCSF to:
- Rescind the termination and restore Dr. Marya to her post.
- Disclose the evidentiary basis for discipline, consistent with labor agreements and transparency.
- Affirm protection of First Amendment and academic-freedom rights, including criticism of U.S. or foreign government policies.
- Engage stakeholders (faculty, students, and community groups) to craft clear guidelines that protect safety without silencing dissent.
CAIR-SFBA stands ready to meet with UCSF leadership to discuss constructive next steps that protect both campus safety and expressive rights.
CAIR-SFBA routinely provides legal assistance to community members whose civil and religious liberties are threatened and encourages anyone who believes their rights have been violated to contact the organization at 408.986.9874 or file a report at bit.ly/cairsfbareport.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com