New Political Challenges Focus of 10th Annual Chancellor’s Diversity Forum

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National political issues that impact the UC San Francisco community were at the forefront during the 10th annual Chancellor’s Leadership Forum on Diversity and Inclusion.

Organized by the Office of Diversity and Outreach, led by Vice Chancellor Renee Navarro, MD, PharmD, the forum provides an annual opportunity for students, staff and faculty to engage in conversation with leadership around key diversity issues impacting the University’s mission.

University leaders discussed a number of national issues, including the continuing efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the executive order restricting immigration, support for undocumented students, and advocating for science-based policies. They acknowledged that the challenges are great, but that it is more important than ever to stand up and speak out.

“I think the operative words are ‘especially now,’” said Daniel Lowenstein, MD, executive vice chancellor and provost, who moderated the panel. He said that events of the last six months “have changed the dynamic of the issues we have to contend with.”

Throughout the event, speakers pointed to ways that UCSF can work together to be an inclusive community.

“We are committed to cultivating a community where everyone from all backgrounds has the right to work and study in an inclusive environment where they can reach their full potential,” said Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, in his opening remarks.


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Using Science to Stand Up

Andrew Bindman, MD, professor of Medicine and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, has researched the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA),  and he was the director of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – until he was “given the opportunity to resign” by the new administration. He said the Affordable Care Act has “shrunk but not eliminated disparities in coverage for minority groups” and that the expansion of Medicaid has increased coverage to three to four million Californians.

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