The University of California as a public university should prioritize the well-being of all its members. Academic Student Employees at the University of California are currently on strike for a contract that includes a substantial increase in salaries to combat the high cost of living in California. The Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies stands in solidarity with UAW 2865 (the Union of Academic Student Employees at UC), UAW 5810 (Postdocs and Academic Researchers), and SRU-UAW (Student Researchers). Academic workers, including teaching assistants, tutors, postdoctoral, undergraduate, and graduate student researchers facilitate the learning of all students, create knowledge, and help us more broadly meet the mission of the public university.

 

In the spirit of our department’s activist ethos, our department has canceled all classes. We will not retaliate against any ASE who participates in the strike. Undergraduates are welcome to communicate with faculty and instructors about any class concerns. In turn, we will ensure communication so that our undergraduate students understand the broader context that prompted this specific labor action.  Finally, any modifications made to existing courses are done with principles of fairness and equity in mind.

 

 

In solidarity always,

 

UCSB Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies