Principles of Community
AHMA affirms the principles of community of the University of California, Berkeley while striving to actively uphold them in every aspect of our work as a community of scholars. These principles are rooted in our mission of teaching, research, and public service. They reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery, and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
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We place honesty and integrity in our teaching, learning, research and administration at the highest level.
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We recognize the intrinsic relationship between diversity and excellence in all our endeavors.
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We affirm the dignity of all individuals and strive to uphold a just community in which discrimination and hate are not tolerated.
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We are committed to ensuring freedom of expression and dialogue that elicits the full spectrum of views held by our varied communities.
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We respect the differences as well as the commonalities that bring us together and call for civility and respect in our personal interactions.
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We believe that active participation and leadership in addressing the most pressing issues facing our local and global communities are central to our educational mission.
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We embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our obligation and goal.
For more information, visit UC Berkeley's Division of Equity, Inclusion & Diversity page.
Codes of Conduct
All members of AHMA—graduate students, faculty, and staff—are expected to abide by the existing University codes of conduct that govern them.
UC Statement of Ethical Values and Standards of Ethical Conduct
There is, however, significant space between these codes and much that they do not cover. We aim to foster a professional climate for our Group that is characterized at all times by equity, respect, and inclusion, in which all members of the Group can do their best work. Anyone who has a concern about related issues should consult AHMA's Equity Advisor and, if they wish, the Chair and/or Head Graduate Advisor. Such concerns will be addressed confidentially to the extent that is possible.
Preventing and Responding to Harassment and Discrimination
AHMA is committed to providing support to anyone who has experienced any form of harassment or discrimination. Students should be aware that all faculty and staff are obligated to report Title IX violations to the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). The general rule is that if anyone wishes confidentiality, they should ask before confiding.
Beyond the department resources mentioned above, the following campus resources are available to all:
The Division of Equity and Inclusion works "to build a campus where there are no 'others'; where our diverse ethnicities and cultures, backgrounds and identities, struggles and strengths make us — the students, researchers, faculty, and staff — all the richer."
Non-Confidential Resources
These campus offices and resouces exist to support students, but while they will protect your privacy, they are non-confidential in the sense that they are legally obligated to report any alleged violations of Title IX to OPHD.
The Office of the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) (510.643.7985) responds to reports of harassment and discrimination of any kind, either through "alternative resolution" involving simple and discreet actions at the Department level (often involving the Department Chair), or through more extensive "formal investigations" that can lead to disciplinary action by the University administration. Although OPHD is a non-confidential "office of record" — meaning they record all information they are provided — that information is shared only on a need-to-know basis. Click here for OPHD's answers to frequently asked questions.
The UC Police Department (UCPD) has extensive training in handling sexual assault cases and will treat survivors with respect and sensitivity. (Call 911 or 510.642.3333 in case of an emergency.) UCPD officers will ensure that survivors receive medical care. Charges can be filed with UCPD, but the decision to file charges does not have to be made immediately; reporting is typically non-confidential.
The Gender Equity Resource Center provides resource referrals for sexual violence, harassment, gender transition, hate crimes, and hostile environments. Like all the other non-confidential offices listed here, they are committed to protecting individual privacy but are obligated to report incidents of harassment as mandated by law.
Confidential Resources
These campus offices exist to support students. Anything a person reports to them will be handled entirely confidentially; as survivor-support entities, they are not obligated to report to OPHD, and can inform students about the possible and likely implications of a choice to report an incident to OPHD or any "responsible employee" who is obligated to do so.
The PATH to Care Center is confidential. (Call 510.643.2005 for the 24-hour hotline. Call 510.642.1988 to schedule appointments.) PATH to Care Advocates provide affirming, empowering, and confidential support for survivors and those who have experienced gendered violence, including: sexual harassment, dating and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Confidential advocates bring a non-judgmental, caring approach to exploring all options, rights, and resources.
The Social Services branch of the Tang Center is confidential. (Call 510.642.6074 for the general line. Call 855.817.5667 in case of an after-hours emergency.) Tang Center therapists provide emotional counseling to survivors of sexual harassment and violence. Note that Tang Center doctors also provide medical help but are required to report violent injuries.
