Dear Friends and Colleagues:
This week has been another difficult one for our nation. In moments like this, the strength and compassion of our community mean more than ever. I know that each of you is balancing so much, supporting your students, meeting deadlines, and managing your own well-being and responsibilities. Please know that your efforts are seen and deeply appreciated.
The signs of a democracy in peril are all around us: the undermining of trust in the electoral process (e.g., false claims of fraud), the disregard for checks and balances, the politicizing of the judiciary, the promotion of propaganda or conspiracy theories over facts, leaders placing themselves above the law and using the legal system to punish opponents or shield allies, the use of violent or dehumanizing rhetoric, the attack on academic freedom and free expression, the spreading of misinformation and the discrediting of science.
All of this is happening now. We cannot turn a blind eye to the obvious. I've seen it before. I've lived it. Despite all this, I strongly believe that there are more of us. There are more of us who care, there are more of us who value truth and justice, and there are more of us who value dignity for all. Let us come together, as the good people we are, and show the world that there are more of us, and that we are not afraid. Because, indeed, at UC San Diego we are not afraid.
A Statement of Our Values
The systemwide Senate’s Academic Council has issued a statement in defense of the University of California. It is a beautiful call to action and a reaffirmation of the University’s public mission in the face of threats to higher education nationwide. Just last week, here at UC San Diego we also passed two Resolutions during a Special Representative Assembly meeting, and we are not finished. In my message of this past Friday, I invited you to our upcoming Town Hall (Wednesday, April 23, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Zoom; link to register) and a second Special Representative Assembly (Tuesday, April 29, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Garren Auditorium in the Biomedical Sciences Building), where we will discuss a third resolution on free speech and academic freedom. The meeting notice will be distributed shortly. I also hope we can make time to discuss issues arising from federal and state ongoing and pending grant terminations and budget cuts. Join our discussion!
A resolution is a statement of values and an exhortation to act. I entreat us to focus and use these resolutions to develop specific responses with actionable items that we, the Senate faculty, can implement together. Words without action are not as persuasive or rewarding. Here at UC San Diego, we are people of action. This is a time to share, not to look away, but to acknowledge each other's strengths and develop solutions that can effect positive change.
Being in Community and Contributing with Heart
If you find yourself needing space, support, or simply a listening ear during these difficult times, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would especially welcome hearing from you at our Silent Tree Dialogues. Our next Dialogue is scheduled for Monday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and the rest of the schedule is available here. I will be there to listen and to serve. I'll bring some chairs and an umbrella. Bring your laptops so we can write messages to our elected officials. Invite colleagues, bring lunch. Our first Dialogue took place on April 14. It was beautiful . . . very beautiful. We are in this together. Let us continue to support one another with patience, grace, and kindness.
If you are hoping for additional opportunities to support our campus community, here are some options:
