University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., issued the following statement today (Jan. 7) condemning the failed insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday:
The orderly transfer of power has been a hallmark of our American democracy for more than two centuries. The shocking display of lawless violence in the nation’s capital on January 6 was an horrific, and ultimately tragic, affront to our national dignity. The University of California cherishes the free speech right of the people “peaceably to assemble” to share their grievances. But that is not what occurred in Washington, D.C., yesterday. We must stand together — regardless of political party or point of view — to condemn the violence on Wednesday and to uphold, protect and defend our bedrock values.