Take A Stand Against Hate: UCSC's Commitment to Our Principles of Diversity

Dear UCSC community,

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) is thrilled to announce our upcoming campaign called “Take A Stand Against Hate.”

The University of California, Santa Cruz is a community which requires the free and open exchange of ideas and the widest possible range of opportunity in the pursuit of knowledge in order to thrive. We are committed to maintaining an objective, civil, diverse and supportive community, free of coercion, hate, intimidation, dehumanization or exploitation. The campus is dedicated to the promotion and protection of an environment that values and supports every person in an atmosphere of honesty, cooperation, professionalism and fairness as reflected in our UCSC Principles of Community.

Why "Take a Stand"?

“Take a Stand” is an idiom that can mean to “commit,” to “take a position on an issue” or to “take a firm position on an issue,” to “argue for a position,” and/or to “have a strong opinion on something.” The headline “Take A Stand Against Hate” has been used by several institutions and organizations nationwide to oppose what occurred in Charlottesville, and other Neo-Nazi demonstrations following. Jerry Kang, J.D., Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at UCLA used this precise phrase in a very powerful essay about UC’s position on what occurred in Charlottesville.

Our campaign aims to demonstrate our commitment to combat hateful rhetoric and its impact on our campus and at a national level.

Coming this fall, this page will contain resources for ways in which we all can take a stand against hate, and showcase events hosted by ODEI and other campus organizations that focus on building a diverse and inclusive campus.

During the first two weeks of instruction, you will also see our “Take A Stand Against Hate” banners hanging at the main entrance and West Entrance to promote the campaign.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to request “Take A Stand Against Hate” posters, please contact ODEI Operations at odei@ucsc.edu.

 

Sincerely,

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion