UCLA Faculty Diversity Initiative

In 2003, the four ethnic studies research centers at UCLA - the American Indian Studies Center, Asian American Studies Center, Chicano Studies Research Center, and the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies - proposed a new initiative that will make UCLA the preeminent university in the nation with respect to ethnic studies scholarship, community-based research and public service in underserved communities, and faculty diversity. Formal discussions concerning the initiative continued through 2005. Despite the state budget crisis at that time and currently, there exists a unique opportunity to expand ethnic studies research capacity, diversify the university curriculum, and increase employment for faculty of color. These steps are crucial if UCLA is to fulfill its public mission and to keep step with the significant demographic changes taking place in California. The proposal remains open for consideration.

Important documents associated with the Faculty Diversity Initiative:

• Faculty Diversity Initiative Proposal (February 13, 2003)
• Vice Chancellor Claudia Mitchell-Kernan report and recommendations regarding the Faculty Diversity Initiative (July 30, 2003)

• Report on UC Diversity titled "Faculty, Managers, and Administrators in the University of California, 1996 to 2002" by Elias S. Lopez and Belinda Reyes (November 16, 2004)

• Cover letter to the California Legislature by Senator Richard Alarcón and Assemblywoman Wilma Chan (November 16, 2004)

• CSRC Faculty Advisory Committee letter in support

• Asian American Center Faculty Advisory Committee letter in support

• MEChA letter in support

• Assemblymember George Nakano letter in support