Dear Campus Community,
Our campus, our state, our nation and the world are processing the result of Tuesday’s presidential election. Our students, many of whom are the children of immigrants and rightfully take pride in being the first in their families to attend college, have been exposed to a lengthy, divisive campaign full of hurtful rhetoric, and they are understandably uncertain about what the future might hold.
We respect and support the rights of our students and the entire campus community to express their emotions and their views in a peaceful way, and as an institution of higher education, we value the free, spirited and civil exchange of ideas and perspectives that our great nation was founded upon.
Our campus, as much as any in the nation, should be a place of unity, inclusion, tolerance and support for students from all backgrounds. Diversity of all types is embedded in our DNA, and it is something we treasure. We will continue to work together, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure our students’ success and further our mission of teaching, research and public service in the great tradition of the University of California system.
Below is a statement from UC President Janet Napolitano on behalf of the UC system and its 10 chancellors:
“In light of yesterday’s election results, we know there is understandable consternation and uncertainty among members of the University of California community. The University of California is proud of being a diverse and welcoming place for students, faculty, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Diversity is central to our mission. We remain absolutely committed to supporting all members of our community and adhering to UC’s Principles Against Intolerance. As the Principles make clear, the University ‘strives to foster an environment in which all are included’ and ‘all are given an equal opportunity to learn and explore.’ The University of California will continue to pursue and protect these principles now and in the future, and urges our students, faculty, staff, and all others associated with the University to do so as well.
“We are proud of what the University of California stands for and hope to convey that positive message to others in our state and nation.”
A gathering space on campus has been set aside where students can come together for support and processing. The California Room will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Counseling center staff members are prepared to facilitate individual interventions for students in emotional crisis and for groups of students who request that support. Students can contact Counseling and Psychological Services 24 hours a day at 209-228-4266 to speak with a counselor over the phone. Employees can access services through Insight, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 800-422-5322, or email: insighteap@insighteap.com. Additional resources are available through the
CARE Office
(209-228-4147) or the UC Merced Police Department (209-228-2677).
Dorothy Leland
Chancellor
