On May 28, the first day of a stand-up strike called by the United Auto Workers, unauthorized individuals entered classrooms and Shields Library on the UC Davis campus, disrupting the learning environment and causing discomfort among some students and instructors.

This is not acceptable. While the campus is committed to protecting the right to freedom of expression for every member of our community, disrupting academic activities is not protected speech. This behavior is antithetical to our core mission, which is to provide an environment where all can thrive and participate equitably in the educational opportunities we offer.

For students and faculty who experienced these disruptions, we are sorry. We want to make you aware of resources available to you and of steps the university may take to address disruptions.

Anyone in the campus community who believes they have experienced discrimination or harassment can contact the Harassment & Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program. You may also contact counselors: for students via Student Health and Counseling Services and for staff and faculty via the Academic and Staff Assistance Program. Finally, students concerned that these disruptions may have an impact on their success, or the success of other students, may contact a case manager in the Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs.

As Chancellor May stated on May 6 and reiterated on May 15, UC Davis cannot and will not discipline members of our community for speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Entering classrooms to disrupt teaching and learning or engaging in vandalism is not protected speech. Disruptions of our educational enterprise may result in consequences through our established disciplinary processes. The acts of vandalism that occurred on campus on May 24 violated the law and resulted in felony charges against three individuals.

For many in our campus community, this is a time of intense focus, eager anticipation and jubilant celebration. Several of our professional schools have already held their commencement ceremonies honoring the Class of 2024, including the families and friends of the graduates who provided them so much support during their time at UC Davis. Others, undergraduates and graduate students alike, are looking forward to commencement ceremonies in the coming weeks.

Today, most of our students are deep in their studies as they prepare for the end of the academic year. We are committed to maintaining a campus environment that supports their efforts.

Pablo Reguerín
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Jean-Pierre Delplanque
Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies

Michael Bradford
Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education