Race Matters and Principles of Community

More than 300 members of the UC Davis community recently gathered for a Race Matters session on the Principles of Community, a dynamic workshop hosted by the UC Davis Human Resources department. The virtual event, which was held in February 2025, explored how the university’s longstanding commitment to its Principles of Community continues to guide efforts to build a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for students, employees, patients and the broader community.

This year’s Race Matters event held particular significance, as UC Davis marks the 35th anniversary of the Principles of Community.

The session featured two distinguished speakers from the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Mikael Villalobos, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor for campus and community relations, and Hendry Ton, M.D., associate vice chancellor for health equity, diversity and inclusion. Together, they led an engaging conversation about how UC Davis’ enduring values are critical tools for navigating today’s complex challenges.

Drawing from historical context and current events, Villalobos emphasized how the Principles of Community remain as relevant today as when they were first adopted in 1990. He invited participants to reflect on how these shared commitments are not just statements of intention, but living principles that call for individual and collective action.

Villalobos also revisited the student activism that led to the creation of the Principles, including the hunger strikes that resulted in the establishment of the Cross-Cultural Center. He outlined how the Principles have since been embedded in policies, employee education, student orientation programs and university initiatives—affirming that UC Davis' commitment is operationalized across all aspects of university life.

Ton offered insights into how the Principles can be a unifying framework for addressing real-world issues that affect the university, the UC Davis health system and community life. He highlighted the importance of empathy, mutual respect and sustained engagement in ensuring that UC Davis continues to uphold its mission of inclusive excellence across all sectors, including education, healthcare and public service. Ton also outlined UC Davis Health’s continued commitment to providing equitable healthcare services, supporting all patients and upholding privacy protections.

Throughout the session, participants were reminded that UC Davis’ mission remains clear: to celebrate differences, foster mutual respect and ensure that every member of the university community feels they belong.

The interactive workshop also provided participants with opportunities to share their experiences and perspectives on how they live out the Principles in their own roles. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the session’s focus on practical strategies for promoting belonging, understanding and accountability.

The Race Matters series reflects UC Davis’ steadfast commitment to keeping its Principles of Community at the heart of everything it does—especially during a time when institutions across the country are navigating heightened conversations about race, identity and the purpose of higher education.

As the university celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Principles of Community, events such as these reaffirm UC Davis’ resolve to ensure that these values continue to guide its journey forward.