To the UC Davis Graduate Education Community:

Over the past year, we have been constantly reminded of racial injustice in the U.S.  We feel outraged, frustrated, and sickened over the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and other instances of violence against people of color. Sunday's fatal shooting in Brooklyn Center, MN of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, in addition to the reporting on the trial of Derek Chauvin, have brought anxiety and fear flooding back to our community.

I want to reiterate that Graduate Studies is committed to protecting and supporting all our students' and scholars' well-being, and we proudly stand in solidarity with them. We demand justice when crimes have been committed and will continue to engage in and lead meaningful efforts to dismantle racism and other forms of hate.

Any member of our community in need of services or support can obtain them through any of these options: 

Counseling: Student Health and Counseling Services provides students mental health services, advocacy, outreach, and consultation to promote psychological well-being and academic success. The Academic and Staff Assistance Program offers confidential, cost-free assessment, intervention, consultation, and referral services to all UC Davis and UC Davis Health faculty, staff, and immediate families.

Anti-Racism Resources: The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has compiled a website with anti-racism resources to support our community as we continue to find ways to build and strengthen our diverse culture at UC Davis. Graduate Studies is also hosting our inaugural Graduate Anti-Racism Symposium on May 6, 2021, which will highlight best practices in anti-racist approaches to graduate education.

We also encourage you to reach out to one another, check in, listen and be supportive because we do not have to experience the current situation in isolation. Please take care of yourselves and one another. Do not hesitate to contact us for any assistance or support we can provide.

Sincerely,
Jean-Pierre Delplanque
Vice Provost and Dean, Graduate Studies