Administrators of the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) announced their intention to “suspend” Alette Kendrick, a prominent Black activist, for a period of three years – in essence, a sentence of expulsion for the third year student. In response, Alette has immediately requested a formal hearing – her right under the school’s judicial process – while supporters organized a week of actions which culminated in a large rally on May 24 featuring Angela Davis as a speaker. Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | Audio

Alette Kendrick asserts that she was racially and politically targeted as a Black woman at a student speak- out against the visiting UC Regents on October 18, 2006. To date, thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and dozens of respected organizations agree. A letter, including 10 demands to defend Alette and combat an environment of racial violence and political repression on campus, has received the support of the official undergraduate student government (the Student Union Assembly), the African/Black Student Alliance, the T.A. union (UAW 2865), the campus chapter of the ACLU, the queer Network, and almost 20 different campus organizations. Additionally, support for Alette has come from the UC Student Association, the UC Santa Barbara student government, and UCSC’s Grad Student Association.

Currently, UCSC administrators are denying Alette legal representation at her formal hearing, while still expecting her to cross-examine the police officers who assaulted her. This raises serious constitutional questions and is in the process of being appealed. Read More

see also: Defend Alette* Protect Free Speech* Fight Racism || A Personal Narrative By Alette Kendrick || Help fight racism and protect free speech at UCSC || UC Activist Defense Committee