2022-2023 leadership messages and announcements
Recent messages and statements from leadership at UC Davis Health and the Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Please note that these archived messages may contain references to resources that have expired.
Chancellor Gary S. May Statement on Catastrophic Fires in Lahaina, Hawaii
Published on August 14, 2023.
As Californians, we are no strangers to the danger of wildfires and their impact on our communities. The recent wildfire destruction that ravaged the Lahaina community on Maui is incomprehensible. The loss of life is devastating, and we mourn for the people of Hawaii and the tragic loss of the historic town.
At UC Davis, we are reaching out to members of our community who are affected directly and indirectly by the fires to offer support and resources. Full message
Chancellor May Statement on Supreme Court Decision Ending Affirmative Action
"In track and field, the 'staggered start' is a mechanism used to account for the fact that runners in the outer lanes of the track have a longer distance to run than those in the inner lanes. Like the staggered start, affirmative action is intended to account for historical inequities experienced by marginalized communities in higher education and other endeavors. Today, the Supreme Court has decided that this tool is no longer appropriate." Full Message
UC statement on SCOTUS decision regarding the use of race in college admissions
University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., issued the following statement today (Thursday, June 29) on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the use of race in college admissions. Full Message
Juneteenth Message from Chancellor May
A message from Chancellor May sharing the history behind Juneteenth, the many reasons to commemorate this holiday, and ways in which you can join in and celebrate today. Full Message
Resources for Ramadan
A message from Associate Vice Chancellor, Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S. with resources for Ramadan in support of our campus communities. Full Message
Connecting with Community during Principles of Community Week
Originally published on February 22, 2023, Wednesday Update from Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S., Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (within ODEI)
Principles of Community Week, also known as POC Week, starts on Monday, Feb. 27, and runs through Saturday, March 4. During the week, you’ll have opportunities to dance, learn, share lived experiences in psychologically safe spaces, and get to know your colleagues at a deeper, more meaningful level. Full Message
Solidarity and support for Turkey and Syria
A message on behalf of Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S., Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion published February 14, 2023.
In the wake of the statement of solidarity and support from UC Davis about the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, we know the death toll has sadly risen to more than 36,000 people – and it may rise even further. Many families have been displaced from their homes, without adequate shelter and facing freezing temperatures, lack of water, and poor sanitation. As we grapple with the magnitude of the loss and grief, our thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria – and those within our UC Davis community who have family members and friends who have been lost or affected by this tragedy. Full Message
Campus-wide moment of reflection and healing circle this week
A message on behalf of the Offices for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Student and Resident Diversity, and Medical Education published January 31, 2023.
At a time that is intended to be about renewal and growth, we find ourselves managing the impact of several tragic events. We grieve and come together in solidarity to support each other and our communities during these challenging times. Full Message
Supporting our Communities
Lunar New Year Tragedy
A message from Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion published January 23, 2023.
We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred this weekend in Monterey Park, at the beginning of Lunar New Year celebrations. There are many unanswered questions that plague families, communities and the public when there are senseless acts of violence and tragedy. We recognize that there are many grieving because of the recent shooting in Monterey Park and want to let you know that you are not alone and we support you.
Please find the resources available to our UC Davis and UC Davis Health communities included in recent statements from the Asian Pacific American Systemwide Alliance (APASA)-Sacramento Employee Resource Group, UC Davis Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and from Chancellor Gary S. May.
Supporting our LGBTQ+ Community
A message from Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion published November 21, 2022.
On the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance, five people were killed and many more injured when a gunman open fired on Club Q, a longtime safe haven for Colorado Spring’s local LGBTQ community. This comes on the wake of a disturbing increase in hate crimes nationally particularly against transgender and gender non-conforming communities. The Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion stands in solidarity with our PRIDE Employee Resource Group and the Vice Chancellor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council to denounce the violent attack and work towards a safe, healing, and inclusive space for our LGBTQ+ staff, students, faculty, and patients.
UC Davis and UC Davis Health colleagues, a reminder that the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) the PRIDE ERG, and the Vice Chancellor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council are additional resources for you - we are here for you. See additional statements from our LGBTQ+ Leaders.
Crisis in Iran
A message from Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion published November 21, 2022.
As many of you know, protests have been ongoing for eight weeks in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman, who died while in custody of the morality police for not wearing a “proper” hijab. Her untimely passing ignited deep public resentment, unrest, and demonstrations after decades of inequality, discrimination, violence, and persecution. This movement, which was initially led by young Iranian women, has now spread to numerous other communities across the country under the rallying cry “Women. Life. Freedom.” To date, the brutal crackdowns by government forces have led to the deaths of an estimated 326 adults and children as well as the imprisonment of almost 15,000 individuals across the country.
UC Davis is committed to upholding fundamental human rights, health equity, and justice. We affirm the dignity inherent in all and stand against the use of violence, repression, and discrimination. We recognize that peaceful protest has been an important transformational process to advance human rights, health equity, and social justice. We are deeply concerned about the violent suppression of peaceful protests and the subsequent deaths of an estimated 326 Iranian adults and children. Full Message
CHANCELL-ING: Honoring Native American Heritage Month
UC Davis News published November 4, 2022 by UC Davis Chancellor, Gary S. May.
November is when we observe Native American Heritage Month. In our region, it’s an opportunity to honor the Indigenous people who first called Davis and Yolo County home nearly 2,000 years ago. It’s also a time to celebrate the contributions of Native people everywhere.
For centuries, well before UC Davis and our city took shape, this land was home to the Patwin people. They are respectful stewards of the land and rich in culture. The name “Yolo” itself originates in the Patwin word “Yoloy,” which means “a place of rushes” and is inspired by the area’s wetlands and marshes. Full post
Statement: Resources and Support for Those Impacted by Unrest in Iran
UC Davis News published September 28, 2022 by UC Davis Chancellor, Gary S. May
In recent weeks, Iran has experienced widespread unrest in cities throughout the country, where protests have erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini. We are deeply saddened by the death of Ms. Amini and those who have lost their lives while protesting in Iran. Last week, the UC Davis Iranian Student Association held a memorial service for Ms. Amini.
UC Davis Health statement on Roe v. Wade ruling
Published Friday, June 24, 2022, UC Davis Health Friday Update
In California, nothing will change as a result of this court’s decision. The University of California, and UC Davis Health, will continue to provide all services to women, just as we have before.
We hear you and we are here for you
UC Davis Health Wednesday Update published September 7, 2022
Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community dealing with fear of monkeypox (MPX), or part of other communities experiencing racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of hate, or have experienced loss and trauma, as many have in these recent years, we hear you and we are here for you. Times have been difficult, and we recognize our faculty, staff, students, and contractors are working hard to provide the best patient care in the region while facing challenges on multiple fronts.
In observance of Juneteenth
A message from the Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, published on June 16, 2022
Dear UC Davis Health and Community Members,
Celebrated for over 150 years, Juneteenth—also known as Freedom Day—honors the day in which news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas—a full two years after its signing.
Juneteenth holds a deep meaning in American history, and as Chancellor May wrote, the holiday “encourages us to join together in the name of freedom, justice and the power of community. It inspires us to reflect on the contributions and achievements of African-Americans, past and present.” Henry Louis Gates, Jr. stated, “Juneteenth was, from its earliest incarnations, as Hayes Turner and others have recorded, a past that was ‘usable’ as an occasion for gathering lost family members, measuring progress against freedom and inculcating rising generations with the values of self-improvement and racial uplift” (More from PBS “What is Juneteenth”).
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month
A message from Annie Caruso and Michelle Famula, Co-Chairs of the Vice Chancellor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, published on June 3, 2022
On June 12, UC Davis Health and UC Davis faculty, students, and staff will gather in downtown Sacramento to take part in the parade and participate in the annual Sacramento Pride Festival. Join the celebration!
Statement by UC Davis Chancellor May on School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
A message from Chancellor Gary S. May published on May 25, 2022
My daughter Jordan is a preschool teacher. We spent much of yesterday talking about how she would protect herself and her students in an active shooter situation. I am so tired. I grieve for the children whose lives were stolen, and the parents and families whose lives will never be the same because of the gun violence in Uvalde. I can’t stop thinking of these fourth-grade children, their whole lives in front of them, and their loved ones, excited by the end of the school year, and one person with a gun who took that all away.
Statement by UC Davis Chancellor May on Buffalo Shootings
A message from Chancellor Gary S. May published on May 15, 2022
People should be able to go to the grocery store without fear. Like you, I am sickened by the shootings in Buffalo yesterday (May 14) that targeted the Black community and took the lives of 10 people. The person who committed this crime admitted to being a racist and to advocating white supremacy.
Honoring our Jewish Community
A message from Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, posted on April 29, 2022
We stand with the many Jewish people within UC Davis Health and beyond as Jewish communities all over the world mourn the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. Yom HaShoah took place at sunset on April 27 through sunset on April 28 within this week that was newly established as the Days Of Remembrance Of Victims Of The Holocaust.
Statement by UC Davis Chancellor May on Sacramento Shootings
Adapted from UC Davis News and Media Relations, released April 3, 2022
Today’s horrific shootings in downtown Sacramento are shocking and deeply distressing. Our hearts break for those who lost a loved one and for all our colleagues, friends and neighbors who are suffering today.
To our Sacramento community, we offer our condolences and support. We are all interconnected, and days like this remind us that we must do all we can to prevent gun violence. We must put an end to gun violence that impacts families and communities long after headlines turn to other global events.
If you need immediate mental health support, please call Student Health and Counseling Services at 530-752-0871 for an after-hours counseling service consultation. You may also text “RELATE” to 741741 for free, immediate and confidential crisis support by text message.
Faculty and staff can reach out to the Academic and Staff Assistance Program, which serves the Davis and Sacramento campuses.
Celebrating the Principles of Community
Statement from from Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Principles of Community define who we want to be, and the impact we want to have on our beloved community and world. The Principles serve as an aspirational statement affirming our commitment to the highest standards of civility and decency. This year’s theme spotlights Martin Luther King Jr.’s “six principles of nonviolence.”UC President Drake - Black History Month
A letter to the UC community from UC President Drake.
University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., released the following letter to the UC community (February 1, 2022) regarding Black History Month:
"This month, I encourage everyone at the University of California to take part in celebrations and educational events associated with Black History Month on your campus and in your community, including conversations about the complex history of race and inequality in our country."
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
UC Davis Health Friday Update posted Friday, January 14, 2022
Dear Colleagues, Martin Luther King Jr. Day next Monday celebrates the historic legacy of a man who brought profound hope and healing to America. His words then – and today – are truly awe-inspiring, and they reflect a life dedicated to standing up for freedom and justice against all the odds. (We encourage you to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. and support the Beloved Community framework as described by the King Center.
Employee Resource Groups build communities of belonging
Posted Friday, November 19, 2021
Dear Colleagues, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) – the bedrock of a robust organization – are voluntary, employee-led groups made up of individuals that come together based on common interests such as gender, race, ethnicity, ability, and the like. They can truly help establish shared spaces where members of an organization can feel a sense of community and belonging.
Holiday and End-of-Year Guidance and Best Practices
Posted Thursday, November 18, 2021
As we venture into the time of year when many of our departments and teams have gathered to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and the holiday seasons, we want to pause and reflect upon past events, contests and gatherings that may not have been as inclusive as intended.
We all want to appreciate and recognize the incredible work that has been accomplished as the calendar year comes to an end, and that can still be done through the many benefits of community building and recognition activities. Throughout the year, and using the UC Davis Principles of Community as our guide, we ask that you review the information below regarding recommended best practices, reflection questions, trainings and resources to create an open dialogue that will inform event/activity planning processes and final products.
Stand Against anti-Semitism
Posted Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
Last week, members of our Jewish community recently experienced another incident of anti-Semitism in which a local synagogue in Carmichael was defaced with Nazi symbols. This comes in the context of a concerning rise in anti-Semitism, 75 years after the terrible events of the Holocaust. Hate and discrimination have profound effects, and studies point to the negative health impacts on Jewish people because of this. As part of our endeavor to become an anti-racist institution, I encourage you to join us in standing against anti-Semitism.
Celebrating the Principles of Community
Statement from from Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Principles of Community define who we want to be, and the impact we want to have on our beloved community and world. The Principles serve as an aspirational statement affirming our commitment to the highest standards of civility and decency. This year’s theme spotlights Martin Luther King Jr.’s “six principles of nonviolence.”
Honoring our Jewish Community
A message from Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, April 29, 2022
We stand with the many Jewish people within UC Davis Health and beyond as Jewish communities all over the world mourn the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. Yom HaShoah took place at sunset on April 27 through sunset on April 28 within this week that was newly established as the Days Of Remembrance Of Victims Of The Holocaust.
Statement denouncing anti-Semitism and Islamophobia
Posted Monday, June 7, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
Last Wednesday, Chancellor May and Vice Chancellor Tull sent a statement denouncing anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. In the recent weeks, our country has seen a rise in hate and bias against Jewish and Muslim people, among which have been a reported rise in harassment and violence against Jewish people, hateful vandalism of mosques and synagogue, and Islamophobic comments and images on social media. The pain and impact of these hateful acts is uniquely felt in each of these beloved communities. They occur in the context of a long legacy of oppression, bias, and discrimination endured by each community.
UC Davis and UC Davis Health recognized by Forbes as one of best employers for diversity in 2021
Posted Friday, May 28, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
Congratulations! Both UC Davis and UC Davis Health have been recognized by Forbes yet again as one of the best employers for diversity in 2021. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication our staff puts in to creating a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive of all people. In 2020, UC Davis Health ranked #101 amongst a list of 500 employers throughout the nation. This year our rank increased to #59, well ahead of Kaiser, which was the only other healthcare organization in California to make the list. Our improved ranking showcases that the efforts we’re making to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization is working.
New DEI Webpage - Caring for Our Community: Processing and Responding
Posted Friday, April 23, 2021
Dear friends,
On Tuesday, Derek Chauvin was formally convicted for the murder of George Floyd. Prior to the verdict, Black communities grieved and despite the weight of such grief, they courageously marched to demand justice and humanity. Communities from across the country and from all cultural groups rallied around them in numbers unprecedented in recent memory.
Highlights from the Principles of Community virtual celebration, 2021
Posted Thursday, March 25, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
The week of February 22-26, 2021 we celebrated our Principles for Community Week with the theme, “cultural humility”, welcoming 200+ attendees in the virtual space to the Opening Ceremony Event with remarks and messages from Chancellor Gary S. May, Vice Chancellor Renetta Garrison Tull, Vice Chancellor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, David Lubarsky, Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences and UC Davis Health CEO, Lorena Oropeza, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Diversity and I.
Celebrating the Principles of Community, 2021
Posted Friday, February 19, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
UC Davis Health is a vibrant, multi-layered, dynamically diverse community making a positive difference locally, regionally, and nationally through our research, education, and public service. What makes our great community work are the relationships we have with each other, our patients, and our communities. We strive to treat those around us with dignity, inclusion, and respect. We do this best by not just treating others as we would want to be treated, but by treating others as they would want to be treated.
New Associate Dean for Diverse and Inclusive Education for the School of Medicine, Ruth Shim, to start February, 2021
Posted Friday, January 15, 2021
As the UC Davis School of Medicine’s Luke & Grace Kim Professor in Cultural Psychiatry, director of cultural psychiatry and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Ruth Shim, M.D. brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the School of Medicine and the Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion leadership teams. She will design, implement, and sustain equitable pre-medical and medical education through oversight of the Office of Student and Resident Diversity pathways programs. Ruth Shim, M.D. will also oversee the expansion of the pathways programs and work to ensure that the curriculum and education programs are accessible and relevant to diverse students, residents and fellows.
New Associate Dean for Diverse and Inclusive Learning Communities for the School of Medicine, Jorge A. Garcia, to start January, 2021
Posted Monday, December 21, 2020
Jorge García, M.D., is a distinguished faculty member, clinician, mentor, and a respected leader at UC Davis School of Medicine, most recently as Director in the Office of Student and Resident Diversity. He has extensive expertise creating welcoming and inclusive learning environments that inspire and nurture students and trainees from all backgrounds to meet the health needs of the diverse communities we serve. He shares and embodies our deep commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of education, science and health care.
Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan
Posted Friday, June 26, 2020
Hi Everyone,
Over the past few weeks, the HEDI team have been working with partners to plan and take action to address structural racism and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have developed a 4-point plan that includes things that we have done or are doing, things that we will do, and things that you and your department can do. You can find our action plan here. We consider this a living document and will update this as we identify new strategies and make progress on existing actions. We would also love to hear your thoughts, feedback, and what you are doing to address racism and inequities, so feel free to contact us.
In health and solidarity, Hendry
Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
UC Davis nursing school names new Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dean
Posted Thursday, June 25, 2020
News update from The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis announcing the appointment of Piri Ackerman-Barger, Ph.D., R.N., to the newly created position of Associate Dean for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Action plan following statement on George Floyd
Posted Friday, June 5, 2020
Message from Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S., Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Statement in Solidarity with Black Faculty
Posted Sunday, May 31, 2020
Joint message from Kimberly Nettles-Barcelon, Ph.D., CAMPSSAH Faculty Director; Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S., Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Mariel Vazquez, Ph.D., CAMPOS Faculty Director, Michael Rios, Ph.D., Vice Provost, Public Scholarship and Engagement, and Raquel E. Aldana, J.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Diversity.
Leadership statement on George Floyd
Posted Sunday, May 31, 2020
Joint message from David A. Lubarsky, M.D., M.B.A., CEO for UC Davis Health; Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S., Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Allison Brashear, M.D., M.B.A. and Stephen Cavanagh, Ph.D., M.P.A., R.N., F.A.C.H.E., F.A.A.N., the deans of the School of Medicine and Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis.
Statement on rejecting coronavirus xenophobia
Posted Friday, February 21, 2020
Message from Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S., Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion