UC San Diego Statement: Response to This Weekend’s Tragic Events in Virginia

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Like many of you, we, the UC San Diego administration, watched this weekend’s horrific incidents unfold in Virginia with a mix of outrage, frustration and sorrow. We condemn this vile display of inhumanity, hatred and violence; extend our condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives and were injured; and stand in solidarity with our colleagues at the University of Virginia. We extend our support to all members of our campus community, particularly those who feel the impact of this hatred most acutely.

We take this opportunity to state unequivocally that white nationalism, like all forms of identity-based hatred, is antithetical to our mission. We are firmly committed to creating a culture of inclusion on our campus, a goal we continue to strive toward and from which we will not waver. Respect and dignity for all—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability or background—are of paramount importance to our mission as an educational institution.

Now more than ever we appreciate the role we all play in supporting our colleagues and our classmates, and we encourage all members of our campus community to stand up and speak out against all acts of bigotry. Furthermore, we ask that victims of, or witnesses to, such incidents report them to Campus Police by calling 911 or to the UC San Diego Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). Reports can be submitted at https://ophd.ucsd.edu/report-bias/index.html.

Those seeking to sow division with hate-filled ideology do not represent the values of UC San Diego. Let us use this moment to focus our efforts to create the healthy society and educational community we all deserve.

Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor

Peter Cowhey
Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

David A. Brenner
Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences
Dean, School of Medicine

Margaret Leinen
Vice Chancellor – Marine Sciences
Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Sandra Brown
Vice Chancellor – Research

Kaustuv Roy
Chair, Academic Senate

Juan C. Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor – Student Affairs

Gary C. Matthews
Vice Chancellor – Resource Management and Planning

Pierre Ouillet
Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer

Becky Petitt
Vice Chancellor – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Patty Maysent
Chief Executive Officer for UC San Diego Health