A message from UC President Drake to the UC community on racial violence and Tyre Nichols

President Michael V. Drake, M.D., issued the statement below to the UC community on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.

Dear colleagues,

By now you have heard about or seen the disgusting and dehumanizing violence shown in the video of Tyre Nichols’ killing, which was released today by Memphis officials. 

I am sickened and outraged by this utterly senseless killing, as we all have been by too many others that have preceded it. It is yet another painful reminder of the constant flow of systemic racism and injustice that communities of color continue to endure.

It also adds to the grief and shock we already feel following the recent wave of violence directed at Asian American and immigrant communities in horrible back-to-back-to-back mass shootings in California in just the past two weeks. In moments like these, it can be difficult to know where to turn to express our collective anger and grief.

I encourage all members of the UC community in need of support to utilize UC counseling centers and other resources offered in your community. I also encourage you to talk and connect with each other in this difficult moment. Our feelings may be overwhelming, but we are not alone in experiencing this sadness and outrage.

At the UC Office of the President, we are grateful to our Black Staff and Faculty Organization (BSFO), which is organizing a healing moment on Monday, January 30 at 12:00 p.m. (BSFO will send meeting details shortly.) 

For now, please take care of yourself and those around you. Give yourself the time and space to grieve and process. Know that we are here for you, and that the University of California will always stand for equity and justice.

Sincerely, 

Michael V. Drake, M.D.
President, University of California