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OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
April 20, 2021
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ALL STUDENTS, ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UC SAN DIEGO (Including UC San Diego Health)
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Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict
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We at UC San Diego echo the statement released today by University of California President Michael Drake.
Nearly a year ago, a cell phone video of an act of police violence sparked international horror and outrage. Together, the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others brought into sharp focus our country’s history of anti-Black violence. No words can capture the hurt, fear, anger, and grief felt by members of our Triton community and people across the country and around the world.
Our Black family, friends and neighbors are exhausted, retraumatized by hearing the case facts and seeing video footage in media coverage. Today’s verdict in the case of Derek Chauvin substantiates a need for change. UC San Diego is actively involved in making that change, and we invite our entire campus community to participate.
Actions for Changemaking
UC San Diego’s work to build a campus community where everyone can explore, learn and thrive is stronger than ever. Our commitment to continually improving the Black experience for students, faculty and staff on our campus is ongoing. Current and upcoming programming is listed below. For more events, visit the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion’s website.
Enhancing the Black Student Experience Symposium
Friday, April 16 - Friday, April 23
The symposium is designed to provide participants with knowledge, tools and strategies to create better experiences for Black undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. A full list of panel discussions is available online.
Faculty Learning Chat: Modeling Emotional Boundaries for Students: Strategies for Healthy Academics
Friday, April 23, 1 - 2 p.m.
During the pandemic, there’s been an increase in students disclosing difficult information and wanting emotional support. Many faculty have had to shoulder this emotional burden. Join Crystal Green, PhD, LMFT, for a discussion about how to respond to students with empathy, confidence, and care; strategies for healthy boundaries and self-care; and available resources. Register online.
From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education
Wednesday, April 28, 9:30 -11:30 a.m.
Dr. Bensimon will help us understand the substantive meaning of racial equity and its application to our everyday practices as faculty, staff, and leaders. Her lecture will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Dr. Becky R. Petitt. Register online.
Chancellor’s 21-Day Anti-Racism Challenge
Always Available
The Chancellor’s 21-Day Anti-Racism Challenge is a self-directed program that explores anti-racism as a means to help one another begin to identify and confront the structural and behavioral norms that perpetuate civil injustice and systemic racial inequality. Take the challenge.
White Allyship, Action & Accountability
Always Available
The initiative's aims are to holistically and comprehensively promote anti-racism by strengthening white ally engagement in efforts to mitigate bias and to deepen white ally involvement in educating on anti-racism and driving racial equity at UC San Diego. The resources provided are designed to be self-paced and are intended for white faculty and staff to complete individually, or as a group, to encourage accountability and enhance the overall learning experience. Explore online resources.
Support Resources
To our Black Tritons, we see you. We hear you. We know you are carrying a burden, and we are here for you to listen, to help process and to support you.
Undergraduate students are encouraged to contact their dean of Student Affairs for support. The deans can help connect students with campus and community resources.
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Graduate and professional students in need of support are encouraged to contact:
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Students are also encouraged to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS provides free, confidential, counseling and crisis services for registered UCSD students, and can be reached at (858) 534-3755.
Campus employees can contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at (858) 534-5523. UC San Diego Health employees can call (866) 808-6205 (use company code UCSDMC) or review information pertaining to the Employee Assistance Program on Health HR's website.
Free Expression
Free expression is a cornerstone not only of the U.S. Constitution, but also of academic freedom. UC San Diego supports student expression, rights and responsibilities to move toward positive, educational use of free speech. Our campus is a marketplace of ideas, where free expression is integral to our educational mission. Our campus is also a community of care, where all faculty, staff and students share the responsibility of mutual consideration and concern. We hope that you will be guided by UC San Diego's Principles of Community. Information and resources to aid the campus community in thoughtful and tolerant exercise of freedom of expression can be found on UC San Diego’s Free Expression website.
Tritons Unite
Although statements such as these do not resolve the intractable issues we face as a country, or even begin to heal the hurt and trauma caused by structural and systemic racism and discrimination, UC San Diego remains committed to supporting a climate of care and belonging. Collectively, let us continue to work together for a more just, equitable and humane society in our service, engagement, pedagogy, community and collaborative efforts.
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Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor
Becky R. Petitt
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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