The "Tritons Belong" initiative engages our UC San Diego community in times when many are struggling with a significant issue. As our campus continues to be deeply impacted by the current Israel-Hamas war, UC San Diego encourages our campus communities to engage in conversation, dialogue, and connections through our Principles of Community to enhance understanding and compassion in these times.
Tritons Belong was created in response to the experiences and concerns that arose following October 7, 2023. During the winter and spring quarters of 2024, the efforts of Tritons Belong focused on "Understanding and Compassion in Challenging Times." UC San Diego offered a series of online and in-person events to help us better understand the current crisis, and increase our compassion within our Triton community. Below are the four events which were recorded, and the series is introduced by Chancellor Khosla. We invite you to learn more about the issues and topics addressed through the "Understanding and Compassion in Challenging Times" initiative by reviewing the recordings below.
Understanding and Compassion in Challenging Times
A Message from Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla
Online Educational Event: Dialoguing Across Differences in Times of Conflict
Grabación en Español
An online educational event facilitated by the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC).
How do we have difficult, yet respectful and even productive, conversations with people who hold different views than ours, especially when discussing topics of great importance? Join conflict resolution experts from the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC). Saima Nasim and Dr. Bob Berk will share techniques and concepts for navigating differences constructively, preparing you to manage situations of conflict with confidence, both now and in the future. Discover the art of effective, respectful dialogue that fosters mutual understanding and empathy, even amidst conflict. Enhance your skills to build belonging through more inclusive communities.
Facilitators:
Saima Nasim, Trainer, NCRC
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Online Educational Event: Free Speech in Times of Conflict
Grabación en Español
An online educational event facilitated by Emerson Sykes, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Adjunct Professor of Law at New York University (NYU), who will share his expertise around free speech, as protected by the First Amendment, within the context of higher education during times of conflict.
Facilitator:
Emerson Sykes, J.D.
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Online Educational Event: Antisemitism - Addressing the Current Moment
Grabación en Español
An online educational event facilitated by Vlad Khaykin, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) National Director of Programs on Antisemitism.
Presenter:
Vlad Khaykin
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm
ADL Resources:
- The Anti-Defamation League has created an online self-paced Antisemitism on College Campus Module for students. You may find the module here.
- For faculty and staff, the Anti-Defamation League has created an online self-paced module called "Antisemitism 101 in the Workplace." You may find the module here.
Online Educational Event: Islamophobia - Addressing the Current Moment
Grabación en Español
An online educational event facilitated by Maha Elgenaidi, Founder & Executive Director, Islamic Networks Group (ING).
Presenter:
Maha Elgenaidi
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Other Winter and Spring 2024 Events and Offerings
Free Speech Workshops | Thursday, April 10 | Dolores Huerta Room
The Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life in partnership with the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement and the UC Office of the President for a session around free speech on college campuses and how to engage with students, staff, and other community members. These sessions are intended for staff to get an overview of current strategies and get their questions answered led by Michelle N. Deutchman, JD, the Executive Director for UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement and Heather Belk, Policy & Program Analyst, UCOP. Space is limited so be sure to RSVP!
Free Speech 101
This session will provide both an overview of First Amendment fundamentals (e.g. time, place, manner; protest/disruption) and an opportunity to discuss the challenges of applying these rules during this particularly divisive moment.
Thurs. April 11th, 2024
9:00AM to 10:00AM
Dolores Huerta Room
UCSD Lunch N’ Learn - Case Examples
By working through case studies, this session will provide staff an opportunity to dive deeper into freedom of expression issues and discuss how to mitigate the harm speech can cause for individuals, groups and the campus climate generally.
Thurs. April 11th, 2024
12:00PM to 1:00PM
Dolores Huerta Room
Dialoguing Across Differences Workshops | April & May 2024 | Multiple locations
Facilitated by the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC), the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted numerous Dialoguing Across Differences Workshops throughout April and May. These sessions expanded on the tools and strategies shared in the online event. Participants were encouraged to take the opportunity to deepen connections, further.
The Longest Table | Thursday, June 6th, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Library Walk
The Longest Table at UC San Diego was a 300-foot-long table that will span the length of Library Walk – with the goal of building community and a sense of belonging.
All Tritons were invited to share a multicultural meal at the communal table, while enjoying a variety of live entertainment, activities, and engaging conversation.
The expansive table was dressed with a tablecloth-meets-art-project, created in the weeks leading up to the Longest Table event by community members.
The Longest Table was hosted by Health Promotional Services in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Campus Performance & Events Office, The Craft Center, and Housing, Dining, and Hospitality.
For questions about the event, contact Colleen Kollar Smith, Executive Director of the Campus Performance and Events Office, at colleen@ucsd.edu.
Online Educational Training for Campus Leaders: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights on Title VI
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) facilitated an online training for campus leaders on the background of the OCR, a university’s legal obligations under Title VI, and examples of OCR investigations of complaints alleging discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. Attorneys Dr. Michael Chang and Maria Asturias shared resources on how the OCR can support campus leaders through these difficult times on U.S. campuses.
Presenters:
Michael Chang, Ph.D., J.D., Staff Attorney
Maria Asturias, J.D., Senior Attorney
1000 Paper Cranes For Peace | Tuesdays & Thursdays, May 28 – June 6, Noon – 2 p.m.
Art for Healing and Restoration: Through challenging times, it’s important to be in community to heal and hope for peace.
Open to All Community Members
Noon – 2 p.m., May 28 – June 6
Tuesdays at the EFA Farmers' Market
Thursdays at the Craft Center
You're Invited.
Join us in creating traditional Japanese origami cranes with messages of peace attached. You’re welcome to keep your beautiful creation or you can contribute it towards a final installation to be displayed in a prominent location on-campus.
Why Paper Cranes?
Origami cranes are a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience. Traditionally, 1000 paper cranes are believed to grant a wish.
