Dear Members of the UCSF Community:

Our nation is facing very challenging times. Yet again, we struggle to come to terms with video and news of the shooting deaths of two more black men at the hands of police. And then we are confronted with the shocking images of one or more snipers taking aim at police officers resulting in deaths and injury, including peaceful protestors. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victims as well as support to the communities at-large.

We must strive to understand the severe and unjust impact of unconscious bias and institutional racism on Black Americans and all marginalized groups, and to envision new ways of healing the wounds that continue to tear at the fabric of our society. At the same time, we stand with and respect the overwhelming majority of individuals in law enforcement who abhor racism and have taken a vow to protect and serve.

The path towards recovery and righting the wrongs requires our combined and active engagement— as professionals and as private citizens. As an institution, UCSF is committed to its Principles of Community that offer all members of the university community an equitable, inclusive, welcoming, secure, responsive, and affirming environment that fosters mutual respect, empathy, and trust.

Plans are underway to provide healing dialogues via student-centric events and a UCSF Town Hall:

• Monday, July 11, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Student-Centric Healing Circle (Parnassus, Multicultural Resource Center, MU-123W)
• Wednesday, July 13, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Student-Centric Healing Circle (Mission...