Joint Statement on Racial Justice (June 8, 2020)

Dear Bruins,

We write in community and in solidarity to acknowledge how anti-Blackness, particularly in the form of police and state violence, continues to have a devastating impact on Black and African American communities as well as our larger society. We condemn any and all racist and inhumane acts of violence, such as the murders of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Nina Pop, and David McAtee. We are in solidarity with Black and African American communities and the Black Lives Matter movement in the fight against systemic racism. We recognize we cannot effectively serve our students nor do our work in the fight for social justice unless we are committed to dismantling the culture of anti-Blackness and all systems of oppression.

Statements like this one fall short if not coupled with daily work of taking action that is responsive to the needs of Black undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty and alumni. This includes acknowledging that anti-Blackness happens in insidious ways, such as in everyday conversations, including here at UCLA. Our staff remains committed to calling out anti-Blackness when it arises in our spaces; to providing resources for students to educate, activate, and engage in racial justice organizing work; and to centering the voices of Black people by elevating the organizing and activism work of UCLA students who are cultivating communities of care and healing.

For those who are seeking support or advocacy, we want you to know we are here. Please reach out to us. We also encourage our colleagues to prioritize the well-being of undergraduate and graduate students in key campus decision-making at this time.

Please know that you can count on all of us for support. For additional assistance, we encourage students to contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS ) at 310-825-0768 to make an appointment and connect with mental health resources. For academic support, we encourage students to meet with an academic counselor (undergraduate), departmental SAO/advisor (graduate), or a member of the Case Management Team. Additionally, the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion has curated campus-wide resources.

In resolute unity,
UCLA Bruin Resource Center
UCLA Community Programs Office
UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars
UCLA Graduate Student Resource Center
UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center
UCLA Student Health Education & Promotion
UCLA Transfer Student Center