Tag: Title IX

Equal Learning Environment March 2, 2017

Title IX: Moving Forward Together

Jerry Kang • March 2, 2017

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

[v. kraws-chek, kros-]
verb (used with object)

to determine the accuracy of (something) by checking it with various sources
Ice Hockey. to execute a cross-check on (an opponent)

Should it matter that we’re talking about equity, diversity, and inclusion at UCLA – a world-class, public, research university? Absolutely.

We are an institution of higher learning. That means we need to be both emotionally brave and intellectually sharp. We need to learn and never presume that we know all the answers. We need to challenge our preconceptions and be willing to go beyond soundbites, caricatures, and slogans. We need to “up our game,” because the world has grown far more diverse, complex, and conflicted. The way we used to talk about these issues was not good enough back then. Certainly it isn’t good enough now. We need to disrupt the same, worn scripts lest we enter an infinite loop of recriminations. That’s what CrossCheck is intended to.

Inspired by the #BlackBruinsMatter rally in Fall 2015, I launched this platform to help move the dial on how we think and talk about equity, diversity, and inclusion in the University. The first entry about Kanye Western provides more of that origin story.

Some have told me this gambit is risky. They caution me that this isn’t what senior administrators are supposed to do. I’m mindful of that advice. But I think it’s riskier to continue with business as usual. So, take a look. I welcome your engagement.