University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., issued an open letter to the UC community today (Friday, June 30) on this week's Supreme Court decisions:
To the UC community:
This week, the Supreme Court of the United States issued several significant decisions affecting the lives of all Americans, including, specifically, many within our own community. Many of us are disappointed and unsettled by these developments, if not surprised. Decisions like this can feel like a direct attack on our work, our values, and our prospects for the future. It is disquieting to contemplate what comes next.
In times like these, I return to the fundamental values that guide our efforts at the University of California every day – values that remain unshakeable; values that guide us particularly in uncertain times. The University of California stands for diversity, we strive for equity, and we treasure inclusion. We work to uplift and support marginalized communities. We remain staunchly committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible to all who wish to pursue it. None of that has changed this week.
The court’s decisions may mean that at times we will need to work harder and more thoughtfully to achieve our goals. I have immense faith and trust in the abilities and the commitment of our staff, faculty, and students to do just that, and to keep us moving forward. With your help, we can sustain a university community that remains open and nurturing to all, no matter who we are or where we come from.
Fiat Lux,
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
President, University of California