crosscheck September 16, 2017

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.

crosscheck August 14, 2017

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.

crosscheck July 19, 2016

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.

crosscheck March 21, 2016

Principles Against Intolerance

The Regents Working Group on Principles Against Intolerance recently released its Final Report. Responses are coming in fast and furious, across multiple media. It’s a good time for another CrossCheck. Most important, here’s the actual Report.