Thursday, April 29, 2010

UC Berkeley Chancellor's Statement-Intimidation?





The below statement from UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau appears on today's UCB website in reference to the final Israel divestment vote. It was originally sent to me by an anonymous commentor. I think it bears posting.
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Chancellor Birgeneau reacts to ASUC divestment bill related to disputed territories in the Middle East
29 April 2010

"On April 28, the ASUC Senate upheld a veto of a bill that called for the UC Berkeley administration and the UC Regents to divest from any investment in companies with business interests which support "the occupation of the Palestinian territories" by Israel. Previously, the bill had been passed by the Senate and then vetoed by the ASUC president. In the statement below, UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau reacts to the debate.

BERKELEY — Since the ASUC Senate passed Bill 118 "A Bill in Support of ASUC Divestment from War Crimes," followed by the ASUC President's veto of the bill, my office has been inundated with more than 28,000 e-mails, some arguing passionately that I should make a statement denouncing the bill, others calling fervently for me to celebrate and applaud it. Statements have come from our faculty, who have weighed in with their expertise and eloquence; messages have poured in from staff, students and alumni, and from people and organizations from around the world.

What has become abundantly clear is how deeply divided our campus community is on this difficult and complex issue. As chancellor, a pillar of my vision for UC Berkeley has been to create a campus where equity and inclusion are fundamental values that sustain our principles of community and allow freedom of expression to occur through civilized, informed debate.

The campus must be prepared to accept a diversity of views, and all of our students must feel that the campus is an inclusive environment for them, one in which they have the freedom to express their views without fear of intimidation.

While last night's vote brings this matter to a close within the ASUC for the time being, we remain concerned about the lingering effects of the debate in our campus community. We hope and expect that the ongoing discussion and dialogue about the conflict in the Middle East will happen in a manner that respects and acknowledges the views and beliefs of others."

Robert J. Birgeneau
Chancellor, UC Berkeley
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I am intrigued by the chancellor's reference to fear of intimidation. Has there been such intimidation on campus in regards to this issue? I am particularly thinking of ASUB President Will Smelko, who vetoed the original resolution. I think we have a right to know who, if anyone, has been intimidated or otherwise harassed, and by whom on the UCB campus.

1 comment:

  1. UC Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau consultant cost $3,000,000: athletic savings $4,000,000. We have a problem in the senior management of Cal
    Inefficiencies have piled up during the 8 year reign of Birgeneau. Instead of addressing his 8 years of inefficiencies the Chancellor chops 5 sports.

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