Dear UCSF Community,

I am writing to discuss my increasing concern about the social media activities of some UCSF faculty, learners, and employees that people are experiencing as antisemitic or Islamophobic. These activities have affected those who depend on us, including our patients and other members of the UCSF community, and are creating an atmosphere of fear and discriminatory harassment. In response, we are referring all such complaints to the responsible UCSF offices to address them under applicable laws and University policies.

As your Chancellor, I want to emphasize UCSF's commitment to upholding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This Act prohibits discrimination—including antisemitism and Islamophobia—in educational institutions receiving federal funding such as UCSF. The law requires us to act on complaints of hostile environments based on protected characteristics, whether targeted at specific individuals or groups within our wider community.

On November 13, 2023, Vice Chancellor for Communications Won Ha sent a UCSF-wide message as a reminder of UCSF’s Social Media Policy. The policy reflects California law that prohibits the use of the University's name and brand in ways that imply or suggest institutional support, endorsement, advancement, or opposition of, among other things, political activities or movements.

We value and defend academic freedom and all individuals’ First Amendment rights. UCSF leadership also is committed to an environment free of hostility or discrimination. If you have concerns or complaints regarding discrimination, harassment or a hostile environment based upon protected characteristics, including shared ancestry or ethnicity, you may file a complaint with the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination within the Office of Diversity and Outreach. The Office of Diversity and Outreach also has a list of resources for members of the UCSF Community who may need support during these difficult times.

Our role as health care and health sciences leaders is anchored in trust. I encourage all of us to consider how our personal actions impact our colleagues, learners, and patients. Let us continue to work together to cultivate an environment in which we all feel safe and welcome.

Sincerely,

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