“The fall term is well underway at the University of California and we welcome our students, faculty, and staff to a new academic year. This past year has been unusually challenging in many ways. We understand that many in our University community — students, faculty, staff and others — seek to share their views and stand up for what they believe, on this as well as other issues. We all deserve to feel supported in our ability to express ourselves while also pursuing our studies, research, work, medical care, and other endeavors. No one in our community should be left feeling fearful, unsafe, or excluded. As we move forward, let us strive to be our best selves. We can listen and learn from others even if we are not convinced by their arguments. We can disagree without resorting to harsh or disrespectful rhetoric. And we can continue to pursue our common aspirations—including working together to help create and model a society that is built on the tenets of inclusion and mutual respect.”
