Dear UCSF Community,

The Supreme Court of the United States today issued a ruling ending the use of race as a basis in the admissions process for public and private universities. In response, UC President Michael Drake issued a statement on the academic and societal benefits of cultivating a racially diverse student body, along with his commitment that the University of California will continue to prioritize student diversity “with every tool available to us.” We encourage you to take the time to read his thoughtful message.

Today’s ruling does not directly impact the UC system. The State of California eliminated the use of race in public college and university admissions with the passage of Proposition 209 in 1996. Since that time, the University of California has pursued other avenues to achieve racial equity in its admissions policies. The actions that UC President Drake describes in his message have helped the University of California maintain its globally recognized educational, research, and clinical excellence in the ensuing years.

At UCSF, we remain committed to overcoming the historical and systemic biases that limit underrepresented students’ access to a University of California education. We will continue to educate and train the best and brightest students from all backgrounds who are passionate about advancing equity in health care, research, and education in all of the communities we serve. Beyond our UCSF student and learner community, we remain committed to dismantling structural racism and eliminating discrimination and bias through our Anti-racism Initiative efforts.

We invite you to learn more about the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision at UC Health’s Grand Rounds, “Advancing Diversity Without Affirmative Action,” on July 25, 2023. You may also join us at our August town hall to learn more about our work to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within our student body and workforce here at UCSF.

Sincerely,

Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor

Catherine R. Lucey, MD, MACP
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Co-Chair, Chancellor’s Council on Campus Climate, Culture and Inclusion (4CI)

Renée Navarro, PharmD, MD
Vice Chancellor
Chief Diversity and Outreach Officer
Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care