It is heartbreaking to write to our community about the tragic death of Daunte Wright in Minnesota. His killing continues an all-too-familiar pattern of violence against Black and brown people in our country at the hands of police. It is not lost on any of us that this occurred just a few miles from the ongoing trial of the officer who killed George Floyd. We must continue to confront deeply embedded racism and how it continues to manifest itself in our systems and structures including policing policies and practices.
We join with UC President Michael Drake in standing unequivocally in support of ending systemic racism, of an immediate end to the killing of unarmed Black and brown individuals by law enforcement, and of prosecuting those who commit hate crimes against Asian Americans.
The UCSC campus, along with all of the UC campuses, is currently evaluating its approach to campus security and safety so that we can implement an approach that engenders trust and support from all members of our community. There is no safety until everyone is safe.
I know that grief over this latest death weighs heavily on many members of our community. I encourage you to reach out to campus services for support. In addition to support services offered by staff in our colleges and resource centers , Counseling and Psychological Services provides assistance for students. For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide counseling and support.
Sincerely,
Cindy Larive
Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz
