Charlottesville and Taking a Stand
It’s almost impossible to stop thinking about what we just witnessed in Charlottesville, Virginia, where White nationalists marched in favor of White supremacy. The responses from local city officials, University administrators, state politicians, all the way up to the President were in some sense predictable—both good and bad. And universities beyond Virginia, all around the country, are now wondering about what to say, whether to say it, to whom, and how. Debilitating our analysis is a confused commitment to "neutrality," which has legal, political, and pedagogical dimensions.
Free Speech 101: UCLA’s Week on Freedom of Speech
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Student Affairs have organized three events during the week of October 16 that will enable UCLA students, staff, faculty, alumni, community members, and friends of the University to listen to, reflect on, and express diverse perspectives and opinions about free speech and its role in the life of our democracy—and the life of UCLA. We look forward to and welcome your presence and participation.
Title IX: Moving Forward Together
On February 28, the University of California released systemwide records of Title IX investigations conducted between January 2013 and April 2016. Although names were generally redacted to protect the identities of complainants and witnesses, the full investigation reports were provided and are circulating online.
CrossCheck Live
Roughly a year ago I launched CrossCheck, an online platform I’ve used to change the way we think and talk about equity, diversity and inclusion in the University. My number one goal has been to encourage all of us to “up our game” with respect to our discourse about equity, diversity and inclusion and to insist that we go beyond soundbites, caricatures and slogans. This year I am excited to launch CrossCheck Live. Same CrossCheck commitments—but “live.” This new format will allow us to tap into and dialogue with UCLA’s extraordinary pool of talent, including you.
Viewpoint Neutrality
An investigation report completed by UCLA’s Discrimination Prevention Office has leaked to the Daily Bruin and was today produced under a public records request. It’s about a hot button issue: divestment from Israel. For multiple reasons, I’m wary about commenting on a report that we did not publicly release. But misunderstandings are spreading. And if this past year as Vice Chancellor has taught me anything, it is to embrace transparency and to meet challenges head-on.
Chancellor Block's Response to the Ending of DACA
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block issued the following statement to the UCLA Community in response to President's Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program.
Appointment of Mohammed Cato as Title IX Coordinator
Effective September 25, 2017, Mohammed Cato will begin his appointment as UCLA’s next Title IX Coordinator. In this role, Mr. Cato will lead and oversee a talented and growing Title IX team responsible for UCLA’s compliance with Title IX, including policies and procedures to prevent and respond to gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.
CrossCheck Live: Campus Speech -- A Right to Speak? A Duty to Listen? An Obligation to Learn?
Please join us and distinguished guest, Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky (co-author of the book, "Free Speech on Campus") for a stimulating discussion as we navigate the complexities of free speech and institutional governance, and ponder the best route forward for college campuses and beyond. Other panelists and commentators to be announced.
Faculty Search Committee Briefing
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Scott Waugh has announced that all members of a search committee must receive a Faculty Search Committee Briefing. To RSVP for a faculty search briefing, email Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at rklibaner@equity.ucla.edu.