Chancellor reaffirms campus values of respect and inclusion

UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks sent this message to the campus community today:

Dear campus community,

The results of yesterday’s election came as a surprise to most of us, regardless of our political views. It will take time for us to process and understand the meaning of the vote, both because we face a period of uncertainty and transition, and because the vote followed a deeply divisive and polarizing campaign. The election season has witnessed a pervasive rhetoric of intolerance across our nation, which has been a cause of alarm and concern for many of us.

As a campus community, we must use this moment to reaffirm our own values of respect and inclusion, while working together to preserve academic freedom, fearless inquiry and diversity. We must support each other at this time, and express solidarity with all groups and individuals who may fear for the future. Above all, we must not lose sight of our commitment to the greater good, to our collective commitment to the improvement of our society and our world.

I am confident that together we have both the will and the ability to rise above the rancor, as Berkeley continues to embody the best of what a free, open and inclusive society should be.

Nicholas B. Dirks
Chancellor

Chancellor Dirks, along with the chancellors of the nine other UC campuses, also signed the follwing statement by UC President Janet Napolitano:

In light of yesterday’s election results, we know there is understandable consternation and uncertainty among members of the University of California community. The University of California is proud of being a diverse and welcoming place for students, faculty, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Diversity is central to our mission.

We remain absolutely committed to supporting all members of our community and adhering to UC’s Principles against intolerance. As the Principles make clear, the university “strives to foster an environment in which all are included” and “all are given an equal opportunity to learn and explore.” The University of California will continue to pursue and protect these principles now and in the future, and urges our students, faculty, staff, and all others associated with the university to do so as well.

We are proud of what the University of California stands for and hope to convey that positive message to others in our state and nation.

President Janet Napolitano
University of California

Chancellor Nicholas B. Dirks
University of California, Berkeley

Interim Chancellor Ralph Hexter
University of California, Davis

Chancellor Howard Gillman
University of California, Irvine

Chancellor Gene Block
University of California, Los Angeles

Chancellor Dorothy Leland
University of California, Merced

Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox
University of California, Riverside

Chancellor Pradeep Khosla
University of California, San Diego

Chancellor Sam Hawgood
University of California, San Francisco

Chancellor Henry T. Yang
University of California, Santa Barbara

Chancellor George R. Blumenthal
University of California, Santa Cruz