University of California President Mark G. Yudof released an open letter to the UC students, faculty and staff members asking them to “foster a climate of tolerance, civility and open-mindedness.”
Thursday’s statement specifically addressed recent anti-Israel incidents on UC campuses. He condemned those heckling speakers at the UC Davis Feb. 27 event “Israeli Soldiers Speak Out.” He also condemned vandals on the UC Riverside campus who defaced the Israeli flag displayed by the Jewish student organization Hillel, scrawling the word “terrorists” across it.
He wrote that the system’s central office has worked with UC campuses and various groups, to revise policies on student conduct. He wrote the policies work to prevent acts driven by religious or racial bias. He stated UC is working with the Museum of Tolerance and the Anti-Defamation League to improve campus climate for all students.
“With our Chancellors, I remain committed to the principle of balancing protection of free speech and promoting strategies to foster an environment where all students, faculty, staff members and guests can feel safe and respected — no matter their individual characteristics or viewpoints,” Yudof stated.
— Angela Swartz
