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107.9 The End Presents Endfest

Arts Editor
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I had the pleasure of attending 107.9 The End’s Endfest in Sacramento at the Power Balance Pavilion the other week, courtesy of an Owl City representative.

Living in the Sacramento area for the duration of the school year, I can definitely say that the area has some of the best radio stations I’ve had access to ever since I took an interest in music. I’ve always heard about radio music festivals when perusing the stations in my car, but never have I ever actually purchased tickets to one.

After being contacted to do a live review of The Endfest, not only did I not realize what I was going to experience, but I also had no expectations. And believe me when I say that my jaw dropped when I saw that my seats were basically located right next to the stage. Thanks, Owl City!

I knew that the lineup went as such: Karmin, Owl City, Adam Lambert and Demi Lovato. Due to the fact that I had missed out on Demi’s performance earlier that week in San Jose, I was thrilled to be able to see her live.

The concert started at 6:30 p.m., which was strangely early for me, but when I realized the demographic in the audience was mostly 10-year-old girls, it made a little bit more sense. But then I saw a mix of 20-year-old men, the fathers of the little girls and groups of middle-aged women.

Fathers are expected, but 20-year-old men and middle-aged women? It wasn’t until I put two and two together that I had forgotten what a big fan of Adam Lambert my own mother was.

Karmin, known for her “Look At Me Now” YouTube performance as well as her radio hit “Brokenhearted,” took the stage for about 15 minutes. I had heard her song way too much at this point, but I have to say that I was impressed by her vocal talent and stage presence. The friend I had invited to go with me mentioned, “Karmin’s like a Jessie J mixed with a Nicki Minaj who can actually sing.”

With a 10-minute break in between performers, I started to work out how long this concert would actually take. I assumed that each performer was gradually allotted more time on stage, so in my head I worked out that I’d be reviewing about a two-and-a-half-hour concert. Wrong. So wrong. More on that later.

Owl City appeared with a larger band than I had expected. I was only familiar with one of his songs, “Fireflies,” from my pre-teenage years and was unaware that he was back on the radio. Apparently he has a hit song out right now with “pop sensation” (the radio’s words, definitely not mine) Carly Rae Jepsen, known for the song we all love to hate, “Call Me Maybe.”

Surprisingly Owl City added some dubstep elements to the music, and although it seemed as if some of the people on stage were there just for show and not to contribute anything to the music, the 25-minute set was entertaining. I especially enjoyed the middle-aged women sitting in front of me swaying to the music and singing along to songs I didn’t understand why they would know.

After what seemed like Christian pop, I was dying to see what Adam Lambert was going to fire back with. The sequin legging-adorned “American Idol” singer did not disappoint. Hitting notes that not even Christina Aguilera could hit, the eyelined pop diva utilized the fur carpets laid out on stage for him and delivered the tunes that all the middle-aged women screamed for. His new single “Never Close Our Eyes” was loud, catchy and pop perfection, and I can’t wait to see how he continues his music making.

At this point, the concert was nearing the two-hour mark. I have never been to a concert that lasted more than three hours, so I was okay when I realized that we would get an hour of Demi Lovato.

As the stage was being prepared for the star performer, the radio hosts showed interviews they conducted with each of the performers. And in between each of the awkward exchanges between the hosts and the celebrities, the slogan for the car giveaway they featured that night was screeched into the microphone every five seconds. Even the 12-year-old girls wanted the real performers on. Well, that, and some cotton candy.

I had high expectations for Lovato, having seen her years ago during the midst of her breakdown. It was only after she went public with her rehab that I realized the reason for her cracked voice at the first concert. However, this time she was stronger than ever.

Just because it was a radio music festival didn’t stop the headliner from performing her full concert set. Every song sounded better live, and all eyes were on her when she performed her heart-wrenching song “Skyscraper.”

After what seemed like 45 minutes, I checked my phone and realized that the concert lasted about four hours. Four hours, four performers and it was all for free? Perks of being an Arts Editor.

It was an entertaining lineup of radio-hit pop stars, and I was blown away by the night of music. Good job Sacramento, radio stations and music makers. We’re all excited for the upcoming school year’s music.

ELIZABETH ORPINA can be contacted at arts@theaggie.org.

Roving Reporter

Features Editor
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What are the pros and cons of taking Summer Session?

“I like it because it’s really quick and if I don’t want to take a class that I do not really like very much, I can get it done pretty quickly. But it does takes away your summer — I’m literally done after this session so I cannot wait to go home where it’s a little cooler.”
Stacy Hubroun, Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior major, Senior

“The pros are getting ahead if you want to finish your degree faster [and] being able to enroll in classes that are harder to get during the regular school year. For me, the con is being away from my family. It can also be a little more expensive because you definitely don’t get as much financial aid.”
Andrea Alvarado, Spanish & Nutrition major, Senior

“It’s less stressful to be in summer school because there aren’t that many people. It just feels more laid back. One of the cons is that a lot of people are gone so it’s hard to round up the same group of friends.”
Alejandra Arguelles, International Relations major, 5th year

“There is a lot more time to focus on your studies because there are a lot less people and less distractions. The cons? If you’re a procrastinator, you might procrastinate more because it’s summer and you just want to chill out.”
Oscar Rodriquez, Sociology major, Junior

“I’m only taking one class so Summer Session gives me the time to focus on that one class and really learn the material rather than cramming it all in the night before and thinking about all the other classes I have to worry about. The big con is that it’s mashed into six weeks.”
Christine Lee, Exercise Biology major, Senior

“Knowing that it’s really fast-paced and only six weeks, it makes me feel like I don’t have time to procrastinate. A con is simply that it’s during the summer, but it’s mostly a pro for me.”
Michelle Lim, Biological Sciences major, Senior

“One of the cons is that it’s really fast-paced but the classes are smaller so you get to know your professors and classmates more.”
Tanya Hernandez, Human Development major, Senior

“I feel like I get better grades in the summer. The con, definitely, is having to be here over summer and not really getting a break.”
Jessica Fitzhugh, Human Development major, Senior

“A big pro for me is that it is so much easier to ride my bike around campus. I don’t have to worry about running people over as much. It’s a little quicker to get around. A con is there’s not as much student activity on campus. Things are a little slower moving but at the same time there’s not as much distraction.”
Merril Lavezzo, Public Health major, Masters program

“There’s less people so it’s easier to get the classes you want. Also, the buses are empty and you can always get a good seat. A con is that downtown Davis gets pretty empty sometimes.”
Michael Nguyen, Asian American Studies major, Senior

Proposition 30 promises to address UC budget deficits

Campus Editor
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Proposition 30 promises to address UC budget deficits

If Proposition 30 does not pass in this fall’s election, UC students could face a 20 percent increase in the middle of this year.

Proposition 30, proposed by California Governor Jerry Brown, conventionally known as the Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012, promises to raise between $6.8 billion, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and $9 billion, according to the Department of Finance, in revenue in 2012-2013.

Proposition 30, which the University of California Board of Regents recently voted to endorse, would raise sales and use tax by a quarter cent for four years. By creating three additional tax brackets, the measure will, if enacted, increase personal income tax rates on income above $250,000 for seven years, according to the Proposition 30 fact sheet.

An estimate of approximately $5.4 billion to $7.6 billion is assumed between 2013-2018. Should voters choose not to pass the initiative, the University of California System will be charged with a $250 million “trigger” cut, which could lead to an approximate 20 percent fee increase at the UCs.

Proposition 30 proponent and University of California Student Association (UCSA) Communications and Organizing Director Darius Kemp addressed what will happen to UC students if the measure fails to pass.

“An immediate and noticeable impact for all UC students, if Prop 30 passes: students will not see any fee increases this year. The approval of Prop 30 establishes a ‘status quo’; fees and tuition for this year will stay the same. We will be facing close to 20 percent or more in fee hikes if the measure does not pass. Consequences if it does not pass are more immediate,” Kemp said.

Proposition 30’s supporters maintain their position as protectors of the public school system, emphasizing the direct negative impact on schools if the measure fails to pass.

“If Proposition 30 fails to pass in November, the University of California budget will be reduced by another $250 million and the $125.4 million tuition buyout for 2013-14 will be lost, for a total budget gap of $375.4 million,” said University of California Office of the President (UCOP) spokesperson Brooke Converse. “This would be a catastrophe for UC. The University would be forced to consider a number of painful cost-cutting measures, including raising tuition, closing some academic programs, hiring freezes and layoffs.”

The Regents of the University of California have voted to support the proposition, attempting to avoid mid-year tuition increases.

“The state of California has responded to the budget crisis by cutting programs and services. Proposition 30 will stem the tide and begin the refunding process. A majority of California residents will not be affected by the tax increases,”  Kemp said.

Proposition 30 has been met with a slew of mixed reviews from UC students in particular.

“Prop. 30 will prove to be a step forward for the UC System, and will prevent tuition hikes. In addition, a quarter-cent increase in sales tax is a minute result of Prop 30’s passage,” said sophomore Kacie Powell.

Opposition to Governor Brown’s proposition is primarily concerned with the fact that the measure fails to specify how the revenue, as a result of the passage of Proposition 30 will be allocated.

Proposition 30 does not directly state that the UC System will be receiving the bulk of the proposed revenue; rather, the measure specifies in its that the added revenue will help the state address its ongoing structural deficit. This could impact the UC system if some of those revenues are redirected toward higher education programs.

Sophomore student and pre-managerial economics major Kamron Afshar stresses the lack of clarity presented in the proposed measure.

“I would support the bill, but the problem is that it is not addressing the issue it is marketed to fix. The bill does not force the UCs to do anything in particular with the money, and it is my belief that they will continue to bleed the youth of California dry at the drop of a dime,”Afshar said. “I simply cannot support an increase in taxes unless it is extremely clear where this money is going, how it is going to be used and on a number-by-number basis [on] how it will affect tuition fees.”

Proposition 30’s impact lies heavily on its failure to pass, which includes a $125.4 million tuition increase buyout, for a total of $375.4 million in deficits.

Some opponents of Proposition 30 are concerned that the Governor’s measure does not provide new funding for schools, according to the California School Boards Association.

“The UCs are largely tuition-based schools — which they admitted in 2004, these ‘huge cuts’ have had little to no effect on them at all. Their budget is upwards of $19 billion and they have made a point to use tuition to cover their losses, many of which are caused by their own personal investment decisions, which greatly outweigh the budget cuts,”  Afshar said.

The UCSA maintains its position in support of Prop 30. UCSA President  Claudia Magaña stresses the immediate consequences that will result from its failure.

“The consequences for students and their families if this initiative fails are terrifying,” Magaña said in a July 18 press release.

The stakes could not be higher, and all of the constituencies in the UC must stand together in asking the people of California to step up and vote to support us.”

GHEED SAEED can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

News in Brief: UC Davis fraternity closed for alcohol violations

Campus Editor
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Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), UC Davis’ oldest fraternity, has been given a five-year ban for serving alcohol to minors.

Minors were served alcohol at two different events in January and February, as reported by The Sacramento Bee.  This is the second major violation for the organization in three years, as it was still on probation in 2009 when it received a two-year penalty for similar violations. The decision to strip the organization of its presence on campus was made April 2, but only recently was it made public.

The fraternity, which was removed from the Interfraternity Council at UC Davis, cannot use campus resources or raise funds for activities during its ban.

Due to the ban, SAE’s national organization and headquarters, which are based in Illinois, will not recognize the campus chapter and the 50 residents of SAE are suspended until graduation. According to The Sacramento Bee, SAE spokesperson Brandon Weghorst said they can become SAE alumni after that time.

— Muna Sadek

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on August 15 to give appropriate credit to The Sacramento Bee. The Aggie regrets this error.

Green Day’s American Idiot the Musical

Arts Editor
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Approximately a month ago, I received an email in response to one of my last MUSE columns – specifically my rant on Les Mis the movie. Assuming that no one in the “real world” actually reads a college newspaper, my jaw dropped as my eyes slowly scanned the email.

The Public Relations Assistant for SHN Theatres in San Francisco was contacting ME after reading my apparently “impressive” column. Thinking this may be a joke email, I almost screamed a little when I saw legitimate document attached to the email inviting me to Green Day’s American Idiot the Musical opening night and VIP after-party at the SHN Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco.

Funny enough, I already had tickets to the show, two weeks after opening night. But who would pass up this rare and awesome opportunity? Not me.

On Wednesday, June 13 at 8 p.m., I found myself with tickets and invites to the after-party, sitting rows away from the stage. Tickets for shows like these can go up to $100, especially for one that has been called “the first great musical of the 21st century” by critics.

Flipping through the Playbill, I was shocked that this musical had no intermission. Yes, it had a full set of Green Day music, but apparently this night wasn’t going to be the typical Broadway night out I expected. Already I was pleasantly surprised, as sometimes the acts can run a little long.

American Idiot is a 2010 Tony Award-nominated Best Musical and 2010 Grammy Award-winner for Best Musical Show Album. It tells the story of three friends who are forced to choose between pursuing dreams and leaving the safe suburban lifestyle.

Featuring the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, this musical’s book was created by Armstrong and Michael Mayer. Direction comes from Tony Award-winner Mayer, known for his work with Spring Awakening.

This musical premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in September 2009 and in April 2010 opened on Broadway. It features hits such as “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday,” “American Idiot,” as well as songs from Green Day’s 2009 release “21st Century Breakdown.”

Going into this experience, I was a little apprehensive. Would this musical end up being a live performance of Glee? Would Broadway butcher Green Day’s music? I’ve been a fan of Green Day since my middle school days, and although I wasn’t an avid listener, I wasn’t ready for good music to be “Glee-ified.”

This night was a pleasant surprise. In fact, most of the music represented the ideas behind the lyrics quite nicely, the set design was beautiful (I expected it to be, as it’s the work of Christine Jones, the set designer for Spring Awakening), and the album translated smoothly to the stage. This hour and a half one-act musical proved to be impressive – not only did it revive my love for Green Day’s music, but it was thought provoking and never boring.

The show runs until July 8 at SHN’s Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.shnsf.com/online/americanidiot. Tickets range in price from $31 to $100 and are available online or by calling 888-746-1799.

Campus Chic

Campus Editor
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Campus Chic

The Aggie: What are you wearing?
Yang: “My skirt and necklace are from Forever 21, and my flatforms were a birthday gift from my friends. They’re from Go Jane.”

How did you decide what to wear today?
“I woke up twenty minutes before class, so I just threw this on. It’s just a bunch of my favorite items in one outfit.”

Where do you find inspiration?
“Other people, especially my friends — they’re all really stylish. And I look at fashion blogs, too.”

What’s your favorite item in your closet?
“I recently thrifted a pair of red shorts that I dip-dyed and then studded. I really like them. It was a good DIY project.”

STEPHANIE B. NGUYEN can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Honorable Mention

Sports Editor
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Kayleigh Foley has dominated the lanes of Schaal Aquatics Center during her four years as a member of the UC Davis women’s swimming and diving team.

Foley has never ended a season without claiming at least one Conference Championship title. As a freshman she anchored the 800-yard freestyle relay squad that earned the Big West title and set a new school record for the event with a time of 7:20.23.

The Pleasanton, Calif. native repeated the performance as a sophomore when the Aggies transitioned over to their current conference, the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. She also brought home victories in the 100-yard freestyle and the 400-yard relay medley.

As a junior she hauled in five conference championships, including repeat triumphs in the 100-yard free, the 400-yard relay medley and the 800-yard free relay. Foley also earned titles in the 50-yard free and the 400-yard free relay as well.

Foley rounded out her senior year by earning four more conference championships. She excelled in the 200-yard freestyle where she set a new school record with her time of 1:47.29.

As Foley hangs up her goggles, her fellow Aggies must find a way to say goodbye to a teammate who has excelled over the last four seasons.

— Kim Carr

Honorable Mention

Sports Editor
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Senior Betsy Sedlak will go down as one of the greatest players in UC Davis volleyball history.

As one of just two seniors on a team that went 21-10 this season, Sedlak was hailed by her coach and her teammates as a vital team leader.

In just three years as an Aggie after transferring from Oregon, Sedlak set the UC Davis record for career attack percentage at .336 and tallied 393 career blocks, good for second in school history.

In 2011 Sedlak led the team with a .321 hitting percentage, while netting 261 kills and 124 blocks.

The Pleasanton, Calif. native took two Big West Conference Player of the Week awards this season, and her accomplishments netted her Big West first team recognition for the second year in a row.

— Trevor Cramer

Honorable Mention

Sports Editor
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Demi Runas performed the way she was expected to this season. Which is to say, she was exceptional.

The junior has been the most consistent performer for the UC Davis women’s golf team in her three years here. It is no coincidence that the Aggies have won the Big West Conference Championship each of her three years here.

Runas ended her impressive year as the No. 50-ranked player in the nation, putting together a season that garnered her a second straight Big West Player of the Year award.

A victory at the Ptarmigan Ram Fall Classic with a five-under-par to open the season marked Runas’ first collegiate title of her career. Her second would come a couple months later, when she seized the PING/ASU Invitational.

The Torrance, Calif. native had four top-five finishes on the year to lead UC Davis, who will look forward to seeing what Runas can do in her final season with the Aggies next year.

— Matthew Yuen


Honorable Mention

Sports Editor
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In a program with as rich a history as the UC Davis women’s basketball team, it is difficult to accomplish anything that hasn’t been done before.

Yet senior Samantha Meggison had a career with the Aggies that can truly be described as unprecedented.

Meggison came to UC Davis in the midst of the transition from Division II to Division I and took everything in stride. From the start, she gained playing time, and after four years, now stands as UC Davis’s all-time career-games-played leader.

The senior led the team in total rebounds and points, with 149 and 323, respectively, this past season. Her stance on UC Davis’ top-10 all-time steals list completes her profile of the ultimate all-around player.

Meggison was awarded All-Big West Conference first team honors for her performance this year, which was an embodiment of an illustrious career with the Aggies.

— Matthew Yuen


Team of the Year

Sports Editor
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Coming off a Big West Conference title and the loss of two key seniors in 2010-11, the Aggies did not miss a beat as they entered the 2011-12 season.

UC Davis opened its season with a first-place finish in the Ptarmigan Ram Fall Classic in September, and followed that up with second place at the Golfweek Conference Challenge.

Overall the Aggies won a total of three tournaments in the 2011-12 season and finished in the top three of three more. UC Davis golfers also finished in the top five on 10 different occasions as individuals.

“It’s all about hard work and competition,” said head coach Anne Walker.

The Aggies were consistent in their play throughout the season, and they completed their campaign with their third straight Big West Championship, as they beat out UC Irvine by the sizeable margin of 13 strokes.

UC Davis then made its way to the NCAA Regional, where it finished 12th.

Overall the Aggies finished the 2011-2012 season ranked 23rd in the National Golf Coaches Association Poll and 31st by golfweek.com.

Possibly the most impressive part of UC Davis’ season, however, is that it was able to accomplish so much with such a young team.

The Aggies did not have a single senior on their roster this season, and their six-player roster included three freshmen — including Big West individual champion Beverly Vatananugulkit.

“The immediate future is looking really great,” Walker said. “We’re really excited. Everyone will be even more experienced and we’re going to bring in some new golfers, so I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully we can set the bar even higher.”

— Trevor Cramer

Male Athlete of the Year

Sports Editor
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After four seasons as the starter, senior Kevin Peat departs UC Davis men’s water polo as arguably the best goalkeeper in history.

The Walnut Creek, Calif. native saved his best season for last, finishing the year with a school-record 335 saves. He became just the third Aggie to surpass the 1,000-save milestone, amassing 1,011 stops over the course of his career.

“He is like a coach on the field and calls his own plays,” said head coach Steve Doten. “He is not only reliable in the cage, but in the weight room, the classroom and the locker room. He is a great teammate and leader. Not having the team captain and one of the best goalies in UC Davis history will be the biggest change in 2012.”

Peat’s biggest performance of the season came in the Western Water Polo Association Conference Tournament, against the four-time defending champions, Loyola Marymount. He put the team on his shoulders with a 17-save performance, leading the Aggies to an upset in triple overtime.

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful. I have always been proud to call myself an Aggie and this instance is no exception,” Peat said. “From the successes of Jonathan Peterson to Dayne Quist, Aggie athletes have had great seasons. So to be selected for this award in such a successful year and after a long career is quite meaningful for me.”

Peat’s leadership is not just seen in the water, but in the classroom as well. Peat was named to the WWPA All-Academic team, as well as earning honorable mention for academics from the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches All-America.

“I will always come back and visit my old teammates and friends,” Peat said. “I could not have asked for better teammates over the last five years, and it will be difficult to watch them go into games and only be able to support them with my voice instead of my play.”

RUSSELL EISENMAN can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

News-in-Brief: Dan Wolk, Lucas Frerichs and Brett Lee win Davis City Council election

City Editor
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The Yolo County Elections Office recently released the results from Tuesday’s City of Davis General Municipal and Special Election.
The election of three members to City Council for a term of four years each and Measure D, the Park Maintenance Tax Extension, were on the ballot.Incumbent Dan Wolk dominated the race with 8,708 votes, or 29.1 percent. Newcomers Lucas Frerichs and Brett Lee came in after with 5,827 votes, or 19.5 percent, and 5,368 votes, or 17.9 percent, respectively. Incumbent Sue Greenwald received 5,138 votes, or 17.2 percent, and Stephen Souza received 4,880 votes, or 16.3 percent.
Of the 33,355 registered voters in Davis, 12,645, or 37.9 percent, voted.


— Claire Tan


Third annual Davis Shakespeare Festival

Arts Editor
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Starting June 14, Davis Shakespeare Ensemble will be presenting Shakespeare’s Henry V. Directed by Rob Salas, this show will take place at the UC Davis Arboretum Gazebo.

For the first time in Davis Shakespeare Ensemble history, the shows will also be shown in Sacramento.

“Henry V will be our first production to ever branch out to Sacramento,” said Katie Goehring, associate producer of Davis Shakespeare Ensemble. Not only will Davisites be able to enjoy this play about one of England’s legendary kings but, this year, Sacramento residents won’t have to leave their city to enjoy Shakespeare’s Henry V.

“The Davis Shakespeare Ensemble is a non-profit organization whose focus is to fill a hole present in the city of Davis,” Goehring said.
This year marks a year of change for the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, that, for the first time, held auditions for other people not involved in the group.

“This is the first year the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble has been trying to get more people involved,” Goehring said. They currently have a Shakespeare summer camp, for seven- to 15-year-olds, that is almost at full capacity.”

Goehring, who graduated from Chico State University in 2009, is currently a graduate student at UC Davis and has been friends with the founding managing director of the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, Stephanie Hankinson, since high school.

“I talked to Hankinson about the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble and wanted to produce,” Goehring said.

Salas, one of the artistic directors of the company, received his bachelor’s degree in English and dramatic arts from Harvard University. He has previously directed the Ensemble’s productions of Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night and Midsummer Night’s Dream, and this year will be directing Henry V.

With all the new changes the Ensemble has implemented, this year’s production of Henry V is unique, especially with the use of only five actors instead of the 13 in the original play.

“Everyone is playing about four to five parts in the show,” Goehring said.

Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, $10 for children 12 and under and $15 for adults. For more information about Henry V and the 2012 Festival visit shakespearedavis.com.

The shows will run Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. On June 14, all ticket prices will be $5 off and shows will run until July 1.

KARINA CONTRERAS can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

News-in-brief: Committee to present report on alleged breach of academic freedom tomorrow

Campus Editor
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UC Davis medical school professor Michael Wilkes was informed that he would be removed as professor of a program that taught better patient care, and support for the Hungarian student exchange program that he led would be cancelled, after he wrote an op-ed for The San Francisco Chronicle that questioned the efficacy of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening tests. The op-ed was published Sept. 30, 2010, days after faculty members at the University were involved in an event that promoted the test.

According to Inside Higher Ed, which investigated the situation, Wilkes was told that he would be removed as the director of global health for the UC Davis Health System and also received letters from the health system counsel, stating that the school could sue him for defamation.

Wilkes filed a written complaint to the UC Davis Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility, and the committee found allegations of intimidation and harassment to be true. The committee investigated, drafted a report and have asked officials at the UC Davis School of Medicine to write letters of apology to Wilkes and take action to prevent other future violations of academic freedom.

The committee’s report only identifies the medical school’s administrators by position title, but Inside Higher Ed contacted School of Medicine administrators. The administrators said it would be inappropriate to comment on personnel matters.

The committee will present its report to the UC Davis Academic Senate at a meeting tomorrow. Academic Senate representatives are also expected to vote on related resolutions.

Gregory Pasternack, a member of the committee and professor

of hydrology, said the threats against Wilkes were unwarranted.

“University policy encourages faculty to use their expertise to help the public, and the threat of a lawsuit is in fact, therefore, a violation of University policy,” Pasternack said. “After the pepper spray investigation, the administration told our community they would take community concerns to heart and change the way they operate. I believe the administration will recognize that they made mistakes and they will take the steps we recommend to apologize and learn from this. If they don’t, then we all have to wonder whether the words we were told were real or just lip service.”

— Muna Sadek

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