My university's reaction to child sexual abuse makes me proud
I work in UC Berkeley and we all got the following email,
Dear Members of the UC Berkeley Community:
Recent reports concerning serious incidents involving young children and adolescents
at several prominent institutions of higher education have given us all pause to
reflect on how our campus cares for the most vulnerable among us. I know that I
share with you a deep sense of sympathy for victims of abuse.
As we reflect on the circumstances, each of us might consider what we would do if
confronted by similar circumstances. As members of the UC Berkeley community, we
are committed to the highest ethical standards in furtherance of our mission of
teaching, research and public service. The `UC Statement of Ethical Values` and
`Standards of Ethical Conduct`
(http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/coordrev/policy/Stmt_Stds_Ethics.pdf) underscore our
core beliefs and our responsibility to foster an ethical culture based on open
communication without the fear of retaliation. At all times, we are expected to
hold ourselves accountable for our ethical conduct as individuals and as members of
the University community.
Since these events are in our thoughts, I would like to remind you of available
resources and procedures in place for students, faculty, staff, volunteers and
others to report concerns.
University employees must understand that many of us are required by law to report
crimes against children to law enforcement or social services authorities. Under
California`s mandatory reporting law, those reports must be made when we know or
have reason to believe that a child is a victim of sexual assault, physical abuse,
or neglect. Beyond these legal requirements, if you know or reasonably believe that
a child or dependent adult has been abused or is in immediate danger of abuse, you
should immediately report it to the Police Department (911) or a Child and Family
Services Agency. In addition, we encourage you to notify the University, either
through your supervisor, through UC`s confidential Hotline at (800) 403-4744 or
on-line at https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/23531/index.html,
through the campus Police Department at (510) 642-6760, or via e-mail at
ethics@berkeley.edu.
I am grateful to you for taking the time to review this important information and
for your commitment in helping maintain a strong, ethical culture of open
communication.
Robert J. Birgeneau
Chancellor