Chancellor Christ sent the following message to the UC Berkeley community on November 26, 2018:
Dear students, faculty and staff,
We are pleased to share with you the first Annual Report on Sexual Violence/Sexual Harassment (SVSH). Covering academic year 2017-18, this report comes at an important time in our campus history, including the appointment of Berkeley’s 11th Chancellor, a historic surge in the #metoo movement, and the groundbreaking campus-wide MyVoice survey. The report provides a close look at the campus’s inner workings regarding SVSH prevention, survivor support resources, incidence rates, and response processes. It provides a look at how administrative offices and student groups work on these issues. It includes new data, reflecting our efforts toward greater transparency, as well as an explanation of our values and greatest aspirations on this front.
This report comes at a time when, more than ever, we need to recognize our responsibility as a campus to ensure the health and safety of our community.
You have likely seen recent headlines regarding proposed changes by the federal government to Title IX guidance. The University of California has taken a strong position regarding these proposed changes, stating in a recent press release that “it is important that we continue to counter ill-advised attempts to erode important Title IX protections for all members of the community. UC remains steadfast in its commitment to combating sexual violence through prevention, transparent and fair resolution processes, and just outcomes.” We couldn’t agree more.
The contents of this report showcase the hard work of many, from activists who have made inspired calls for change, to administrators who have brought change to bear, to staff and students who work every day to support survivors, and to all those in the community who infuse the Berkeley principles of community into their daily activities. This Annual Report models the philosophy that preventing sexual violence and harassment is a community responsibility.
Preventing and responding to SVSH on our campus will remain a top priority of this administration. We welcome your feedback and your participation in the next steps the campus is taking.
Sincerely,