October 5, 2022
UC Berkeley is aware of and concerned about the ongoing, intensifying government-sanctioned violence against people–notably women and students–who are peacefully protesting in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini. We are paying serious attention to how the uprising and unrest are impacting our own campus community, and so we take action to show our care, support, and solidarity.
Seeing reports about internet blackouts and a climbing death toll across Iran depart from what we stand for as an institution, as a campus community. Further, we know that our Iranian students, staff, and faculty are trying to keep up with their daily routines while a number of realities are at play. For some, they run the risk of arrest or exile if they engage in protest or sharing social media posts. With no way of knowing whether or not family and friends in Iran are safe, others on campus are exhausted from stress and worry. These are only a few examples of the stories we are hearing.
The Divisions of Equity and Inclusion and Student Affairs shared an initial message of support that was then posted to Berkeley News. Last week, key leadership met with student groups to hear how we can do better in our efforts to show real-time solidarity and advocacy.
Here is a roundup of messages and resources that have been shared with students and faculty. Wherever possible, we have included links to support services on campus. We will update as new messages are shared with us.
- 'A mix of hope and sorrow:' reflections from our campus community from Berkeley News.
- Statement in Condemnation of the Attacks on University Students in Iran: signed by faculty, including several at UC Berkeley.
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UC Berkeley’s Instagram post and Twitter post highlighting our Berkeley News piece.
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CalTV’s Instagram post reporting about the campus vigil for Mahsa Amini.
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General support: For additional student resources and support getting connected, contact deanofstudents@berkeley.edu. We encourage you to take this opportunity to reflect on your personal well-being as you try to complete papers and projects while preparing for final exams. Visit the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students’ Well Being resource (deanofstudents.berkeley.edu/well-being), which provides more information about holistic wellness resources across campus.
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Student mental health support: Campus counselors at University Health Services at the Tang Center are available on a drop-in basis for urgent concerns. Visit the Counseling website, call (510) 642-9494, or, when the Tang Center is closed, call the after hours counseling line (855) 817-5667.
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Staff and faculty mental health support: Be Well at Work – Employee Assistance provides free, confidential counseling and referrals for staff. To schedule an appointment with an Employee Assistance counselor, please contact 510-643-7754 or email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu.
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Financial student support: Should you need an emergency loan, please visit financialaid.berkeley.edu/short-term-emergency-loan. If you need assistance, please contact studentcentral.berkeley.edu/contact.
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Student Legal Services support: 510-642-3916, sa.berkeley.edu/legal. Advises undergraduate, graduate and professional school students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations.
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Student Organizations: Our campus has numerous and diverse student organizations that students may wish to get involved in. You can explore at callink.berkeley.edu.
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SSWANA Initiative: The South, Southwest Asian, and North African Initiative (SSWANA) seeks to provide personalized access to resources on campus, accessible programming, promote cross-cultural community building, and advocate for social justice in SSWANA communities through education and empowerment.
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Staff Organizations: The Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African Staff Organization (MENASA) is also a resource for staff.