Equity & Inclusion

Diana Lizarraga, the director of the Cal NERDS program, has been given the KPIX Jefferson Award for her work with non-traditional students studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Reporter Sharon Chin came to Stephens Hall to talk with Diana and then joined some of the NERDS on their service day while they turned elementary students into scientists. Watch the story now.

Dear UC Berkeley Community,

Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter announced that starting today, transgender people will now be allowed to openly serve in the armed forces. "Effective immediately, transgender Americans may serve openly. Our mission is to defend this country, and we don’t want barriers unrelated to a person’s qualification to serve preventing us from recruiting or retaining the soldier, sailor, airman or Marine who can best accomplish the mission,” Carter said. That means trans troops can no longer be discharged from the military.

Last week the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision blocking President Obama's plan to allow some illegal residents to work legally in the United States. The program would have protected up to five million undocumented workers from being deported and allow them to work. The vote was tied 4-to-4, leaving in place an appeals court ruling that blocked the plan.

UC Berkeley's Undocumented Students Program got in touch with their immigration attorney to answer some questions about whether this decision affects your status or plans you have to travel. Here is the information: