UC Hastings Name Removed: What the Final Ruling Means for UC Law San Francisco

The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco — formerly known as UC Hastings College of the Law — has officially severed ties with its controversial namesake, Serranus Clinton Hastings. After years of legal disputes, the California Supreme Court declined to hear a final appeal from Hastings’ descendants in January 2026, effectively ending the family’s effort to restore the original name.

This decision cements the school’s rebranding as part of a broader movement to address historical injustices in public institutions.

⚖️ Why the Name Was Changed

Serranus Clinton Hastings, the school’s 19th-century founder and a former California Supreme Court chief justice, was linked to the genocide of Indigenous Yuki people in Northern California. In response to growing public scrutiny and a national reckoning over institutional names tied to racism and violence, the California Legislature passed a law in 2022 to rename the school.

The new name — UC Law San Francisco — reflects both its University of California affiliation and its geographic location, while distancing the institution from its controversial origins.

🧑‍⚖️ Legal Battle with the Hastings Family

The Hastings family filed a lawsuit in 2022, arguing that the school was legally bound by an 1878 statute to retain the Hastings name and to maintain a board seat for a family representative. However:

• In 2024, a San Francisco court dismissed the case.
• In 2025, a California appellate court upheld the dismissal.
• In January 2026, the California Supreme Court declined to review the case, finalizing the name change.

This ruling affirms the state’s authority to rename public institutions, even those with historical naming agreements.

🏛️ What This Means for Law Students and Alumni

• Current and future students will graduate from UC Law San Francisco, a name that reflects a modern, inclusive identity.
• Alumni may see updates to their transcripts through the rebranding.
• The school’s reputation remains strong, with continued investment in legal education, public interest law, and social justice.

📝 Final Thoughts

The renaming of UC Hastings to UC Law San Francisco marks a significant moment in legal education and institutional accountability. While the Hastings family fought to preserve a historical legacy, the courts sided with a future-oriented vision that prioritizes ethical alignment and public trust.