At 9:23 PM on 11/13, an email was sent out through the UC Davis WarnMe system announcing that classes would be resumed at UC Davis on 11/14, despite the fact that Davis is still under a thick blanket of ash and smoke. Breathing in this air is not simply unhealthy, but has the potential to be hazardous to the long-term well-being of those majority of UC Davis students who walk or bike to class and who would have to breathe heavily in order to do so.
In addition, the aforementioned email also asserted that Unitrans would be free tomorrow for UC Davis students and faculty, even though as most students and faculty are aware, Unitrans is already free for them.
It is grossly irresponsible for the UC Davis administration to resume classes on Wednesday under these circumstances. A change.org petition urging the University administration to cancel classes is currently being circulated on social media, and is at 12,570 as of this moment, though I imagine that number will be much higher by the time you read this letter. As Chief of Staff to the Office of Advocacy and Student Representation at ASUCD, I have sent a letter to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and to the leadership of the Davis Faculty Association outlining these concerns; I encourage the administration to cancel all classes on 11/14 and, if necessary, until the end of the week, and I encourage the faculty to cancel their classes if the administration refuses to do so.
I request that you publish this letter so that the students’ concerns for their own well being can reach the ears of the Davis community as well as the UC Davis administration and faculty. Your attention and consideration is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Adam Hatefi,
Chief of Staff
Office of Advocacy and Student Representation | ASUCD
