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A Complex Tragedy: Denice Denton and UC Santa Cruz
Note: The intended purpose of this piece is to help various activist communities in Santa Cruz, and the UC system at large, better understand Chancellor Denice Denton’s role at the University, and to spark a community conversation about how we will move forward for the better. I have specifically chosen not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding Denton’s death, focusing instead on discussing her achievements, contextualizing her criticism, and analyzing the potential for radical social change at UCSC.
As I read through the articles, stories and remembrances of former UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Denice D. Denton, I feel like I’m meeting her for the first time. I’m meeting the former University of Wisconsin professor who left an enduring mark on her students. I’m meeting the role model and mentor of women in science and engineering. I’m meeting the first female dean of the University of Washington’s College of Engineering. I’m meeting the first openly queer woman to lead a major research university. I’m meeting the person who publicly challenged Harvard’s sexist President. I’m meeting the woman whose death leaves a “gaping hole in the small and tightly knit community of America's elite female scientists and engineers.” I’m meeting the woman I, and most in the Santa Cruz community, never got the chance to know.
Denton’s short time at UCSC can be best illustrated by her investiture in November of 2005. The newly appointed Chancellor made a bold statement – using a non-traditional 2-day series of events to have a discussion of diversity in education. She laid out her priorities for her new position by using the slogan ‘diversity through excellence,’ multiple languages, and quotes from prominent feminists bell hooks and Gloria Anzaldúa. She envisioned a different type of university, mentioning social justice, and, with great applause, the need to improve campus workers’ wages. But even then, on the first days of her career at UCSC, it was already too late to avoid an appointment plagued by defensiveness. An ‘alternative’ event program had been passed out to all of the guests, noting the labor struggles on campus and urging the investiture participants to, “tell Denton to get with the program.”
I use this example because it describes the overall environment in which Denton arrived, and worked at the University. She had a broad vision of change for UCSC, but was instantly and continuously put on the defensive by various communities locally and state wide. While some of these criticisms were clearly sexist and homophobic, such as Santa Cruz Sentinel managing editor Don Miller’s famous "powerful coterie of lesbians" quote, the majority of concerns were directly tied to important historical inadequacies and problems with the University, including the huge disparity between top administrators and students/workers.
Let’s take the hiring of Denton’s partner, Gretchen Kalonji, as an example. As part of a deal with the UC Office of the President (UCOP), Kalonji, a distinguished scholar, was given a $192,000 position with the UC. Criticism was quick to come, which the mainstream media cited as ‘calls of nepotism,’ but which for many of us in the activist community, was much more complex. While the San Francisco Chronicle had a bold and offensive title referring to Kalonji as Denton’s “lesbian lover,” and a small number of sexist homophobes, mostly outside of Santa Cruz, took issue with Denton and Kalonji’s orientation, being angry with the idea of their tax dollars supporting these women, local activists were concerned about very different issues. First was the amount of money both Denton and Kalonji were receiving – around $500,000 combined salary in addition to their free campus house and various lavish expenses (such as the $68,750 in ‘moving expenses’ Denton received and the $50,000 ‘housing assistance’ Kalonji was given). This was not a critique of either individuals’ character or accomplishments (in fact, many of us, myself included, were pleasantly surprised in the choice of Denton as Chancellor and thought Kalonji was well qualified), but was ultimately a class criticism. We were upset with the fact that top UC administrators gave themselves raises and seemingly tossed around money for their own, while at the same time they raised student tuition enormously, cut numerous programs, and claimed there was ‘no money’ to help workers receiving poverty wages. In accepting the huge salaries and perks, Denton and Kalonji, possibly unintentionally, sent a message to the UC community: we’re with the corrupt class of administrators lining our pockets on the backs of students, workers, and every Californian. This may have been a non-issue had they been hired at another university, but not in Santa Cruz, which was amidst the rise of a new university-based labor movement.
A second concern, arising more recently, was related to the ease at which Kalonji was given a position. Many of us believe in the importance of partner hires, but the unequal distribution of these hires has become problematic. The UCOP had little trouble creating a position for Kalonji, while numerous world-class professors (most notably those with a focus on racial and ethnic studies) have left UCSC after the University failed, amongst other things, to uphold their agreements to hire faculty members’ spouses.
This was the first scandal that Denton faced. Like all of the controversies surrounding her time at UCSC, it was a complex one – in this case, involving both illegitimate heterosexist criticism and legitimate criticism based on class. This controversy, much like those that would follow, was primarily about the institution (and its historical inequality), but due to the hierarchical structure of the university and the peculiarities of the particular issues, this controversy (and others) became highly personalized as well.
Some have blamed the activist community for focusing so much on Denton as an individual, urging us to treat people with more respect and be less critical. While there is a strong necessity to reanalyze our tactics of past years, we should recognize that the institution was specifically structured to place an incredible amount of power (and pressure) on the shoulders of the Chancellor. As the head of the UCSC hierarchy, Denton became the person ultimately responsible for addressing the historical inadequacies of the University. She was the person with the power to make the changes we so desperately needed, thus she naturally became the intended audience of many of our actions. Feelings by activists that Denton’s assistants and other members of the administration were either not listening or not following through on their promises further exacerbated this situation. Due to the hierarchical nature of the University, ‘the Chancellor’ increasingly has become a stand in for ‘the institution,’ primarily by the mainstream press, whose consistent desire for simplification blurs an accurate analysis, but also by activists, who have been trained to focus pressure on those with decision-making power.
Lately, after Denton’s tragic death, I have come to believe that had she more time with us, her continued efforts in the name of diversity could have moved the University in a very positive direction. While she and other administrators had communication (or lack of) and follow-through problems with students and workers, it was obvious that Denton was making a strong attempt to address issues that had been ignored by numerous previous Chancellors and the institution as a whole. This included her financial support of student initiated outreach and retention programs, and also a recent situation where, after decades of struggles for a department focused of the critical study of race and ethnicity and recent concerns that 40% of senior faculty of color had or were considering leaving UCSC due to hostile working conditions, a lack of institutional support, and spousal hire problems, the Chancellor reportedly called an emergency meeting of faculty and grad students of color (which may not happen now).
Denton’s death is tragic on many levels. First, and most importantly, is the personal level which I am choosing not to speculate about (although I find arguments relating to the pressure faced by women and queers in leadership positions to be compelling); Second is her important position as a role model and mentor for women in science, frequently overlooked at UCSC, and the gap that has been left; Third, my primary focus, is a tragedy at the institutional level at UCSC. When I graduate from the University next spring, I will have had at least 4 Chancellors in four years (Greenwood, Chemers, Denton, and now Kliger). It’s extremely difficult for the University to maintain a sense of consistency, let alone progress with a constantly revolving administration. Student and community activists, as well as workers have been around for a long time, but, for the most part, we don’t have the power to make the necessary changes, so we’re forced to educate each new administration on the vital issues we face. Denton was beginning to understand our concerns, and had started to frequently advocate for our efforts, but with her tragic passing, our attempts of progress within the University have been significantly set back. Who will follow through on Denton, and previous administrations’ positive efforts and promises?
Denton came to UCSC with a progressive vision for change, yet the hierarchical, undemocratic and unaccountable structure of the University created an environment where radical systematic change was extremely difficult. The type of change we’re looking for would require more than one individual’s efforts. It would take an institutional commitment, where everyone from the Chancellor to the Deans of various academic divisions are actively engaged. Significant systematic change, working within the current hierarchical structure, would also require a commitment from the UC Regents and the UCOP, something we have yet to see.
This type of change at UCSC is possible, although very unlikely, especially due to Denton’s departure. Another approach besides a reliance on those currently in power is the pursuit of a more decentralized, democratic and accountable university where the communities most affected by, and most knowledgeable of particular institutional problems are given the power, and institutional support to spearhead the necessary changes. This would mean a fundamental shift in the structure of the University of California, giving students, workers, and community members the ability to determine the education of their communities. In my eyes, this approach offers more of a potential for long-term systematic change than a reliance on individual administrators that may posses positive qualities.
Ultimately, though, in order to move forward as best we can, we’ll undoubtedly take multiple approaches at the same time – we’ll be working within the current hierarchical institution while also moving towards a University with a radically different structure and relations of power. Denton’s commitment to diversity was admirable, and so I’d like to end by echoing Angela Davis’ comments at the Chancellor’s recent memorial: I hope that we will all strive to continue the legacy of Denton’s commitment to diversity and social justice, in whatever form it may take.
My condolences to the friends and family of Denice D. Denton. She will be missed.
-----
I’d like to thank Chanda, Ray, Becky, Paula, and Amanda for their thoughtful critiques and support in writing this article. I’d also like to encourage everyone to comment on this article, spread it around, write your own, and begin discussing the future of UCSC with your friends, colleagues, and families.
Sources of Some Information:
Remembrances from Friends and Colleagues
http://www.ucsc.edu/administration/denice_denton/remembrance.asp
Suicide of a Chancellor
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2006/06/26/denton
Photos from Denton’s memorial ceremony
http://www.mercurynewsphoto.com/2006/06/29/in-memoriam/
Denton’s memorial ceremony (specifically Angela Davis’ speech)
http://www.ucsc.edu/administration/denice_denton/memorial_ceremony.mov
Death leaves gap in female science leadership
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/health/14937454.htm
UCSC's Denton carried additional burden on her shoulders
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/14928207.htm
Denton Remembered As 'Warrior'
http://www.nbc11.com/news/9450332/detail.html
Denice Denton, 1959-2006: Former UW dean fought for women in the sciences
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/275504_dentonobit27.html
A terrible loss
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid33195.asp
Campus leaders reflect on Denice Denton’s life, career
http://www.news.wisc.edu/12679.html
Chancellor's residence wish list made public
UC paid $600,000 to make upgrades to University House
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/30/BAGD9I0FK61.DTL
A Problem of Hard-wiring
http://www.metroactive.com/metro-santa-cruz/11.23.05/nuz-0547.html
Chancellor Denton's inaugural address
http://www.ucsc.edu/news_events/press/video/download/investiture_11-04-05.mov
UCSC clerical workers rally for new contract, pay raises
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2005/January/28/local/stories/02local.htm
UC hires partner of chancellor
Creates $192,000 post for Santa Cruz chief's lesbian lover
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/01/20/BAG27AT2CQ1.DTL
Denton’s short time at UCSC can be best illustrated by her investiture in November of 2005. The newly appointed Chancellor made a bold statement – using a non-traditional 2-day series of events to have a discussion of diversity in education. She laid out her priorities for her new position by using the slogan ‘diversity through excellence,’ multiple languages, and quotes from prominent feminists bell hooks and Gloria Anzaldúa. She envisioned a different type of university, mentioning social justice, and, with great applause, the need to improve campus workers’ wages. But even then, on the first days of her career at UCSC, it was already too late to avoid an appointment plagued by defensiveness. An ‘alternative’ event program had been passed out to all of the guests, noting the labor struggles on campus and urging the investiture participants to, “tell Denton to get with the program.”
I use this example because it describes the overall environment in which Denton arrived, and worked at the University. She had a broad vision of change for UCSC, but was instantly and continuously put on the defensive by various communities locally and state wide. While some of these criticisms were clearly sexist and homophobic, such as Santa Cruz Sentinel managing editor Don Miller’s famous "powerful coterie of lesbians" quote, the majority of concerns were directly tied to important historical inadequacies and problems with the University, including the huge disparity between top administrators and students/workers.
Let’s take the hiring of Denton’s partner, Gretchen Kalonji, as an example. As part of a deal with the UC Office of the President (UCOP), Kalonji, a distinguished scholar, was given a $192,000 position with the UC. Criticism was quick to come, which the mainstream media cited as ‘calls of nepotism,’ but which for many of us in the activist community, was much more complex. While the San Francisco Chronicle had a bold and offensive title referring to Kalonji as Denton’s “lesbian lover,” and a small number of sexist homophobes, mostly outside of Santa Cruz, took issue with Denton and Kalonji’s orientation, being angry with the idea of their tax dollars supporting these women, local activists were concerned about very different issues. First was the amount of money both Denton and Kalonji were receiving – around $500,000 combined salary in addition to their free campus house and various lavish expenses (such as the $68,750 in ‘moving expenses’ Denton received and the $50,000 ‘housing assistance’ Kalonji was given). This was not a critique of either individuals’ character or accomplishments (in fact, many of us, myself included, were pleasantly surprised in the choice of Denton as Chancellor and thought Kalonji was well qualified), but was ultimately a class criticism. We were upset with the fact that top UC administrators gave themselves raises and seemingly tossed around money for their own, while at the same time they raised student tuition enormously, cut numerous programs, and claimed there was ‘no money’ to help workers receiving poverty wages. In accepting the huge salaries and perks, Denton and Kalonji, possibly unintentionally, sent a message to the UC community: we’re with the corrupt class of administrators lining our pockets on the backs of students, workers, and every Californian. This may have been a non-issue had they been hired at another university, but not in Santa Cruz, which was amidst the rise of a new university-based labor movement.
A second concern, arising more recently, was related to the ease at which Kalonji was given a position. Many of us believe in the importance of partner hires, but the unequal distribution of these hires has become problematic. The UCOP had little trouble creating a position for Kalonji, while numerous world-class professors (most notably those with a focus on racial and ethnic studies) have left UCSC after the University failed, amongst other things, to uphold their agreements to hire faculty members’ spouses.
This was the first scandal that Denton faced. Like all of the controversies surrounding her time at UCSC, it was a complex one – in this case, involving both illegitimate heterosexist criticism and legitimate criticism based on class. This controversy, much like those that would follow, was primarily about the institution (and its historical inequality), but due to the hierarchical structure of the university and the peculiarities of the particular issues, this controversy (and others) became highly personalized as well.
Some have blamed the activist community for focusing so much on Denton as an individual, urging us to treat people with more respect and be less critical. While there is a strong necessity to reanalyze our tactics of past years, we should recognize that the institution was specifically structured to place an incredible amount of power (and pressure) on the shoulders of the Chancellor. As the head of the UCSC hierarchy, Denton became the person ultimately responsible for addressing the historical inadequacies of the University. She was the person with the power to make the changes we so desperately needed, thus she naturally became the intended audience of many of our actions. Feelings by activists that Denton’s assistants and other members of the administration were either not listening or not following through on their promises further exacerbated this situation. Due to the hierarchical nature of the University, ‘the Chancellor’ increasingly has become a stand in for ‘the institution,’ primarily by the mainstream press, whose consistent desire for simplification blurs an accurate analysis, but also by activists, who have been trained to focus pressure on those with decision-making power.
Lately, after Denton’s tragic death, I have come to believe that had she more time with us, her continued efforts in the name of diversity could have moved the University in a very positive direction. While she and other administrators had communication (or lack of) and follow-through problems with students and workers, it was obvious that Denton was making a strong attempt to address issues that had been ignored by numerous previous Chancellors and the institution as a whole. This included her financial support of student initiated outreach and retention programs, and also a recent situation where, after decades of struggles for a department focused of the critical study of race and ethnicity and recent concerns that 40% of senior faculty of color had or were considering leaving UCSC due to hostile working conditions, a lack of institutional support, and spousal hire problems, the Chancellor reportedly called an emergency meeting of faculty and grad students of color (which may not happen now).
Denton’s death is tragic on many levels. First, and most importantly, is the personal level which I am choosing not to speculate about (although I find arguments relating to the pressure faced by women and queers in leadership positions to be compelling); Second is her important position as a role model and mentor for women in science, frequently overlooked at UCSC, and the gap that has been left; Third, my primary focus, is a tragedy at the institutional level at UCSC. When I graduate from the University next spring, I will have had at least 4 Chancellors in four years (Greenwood, Chemers, Denton, and now Kliger). It’s extremely difficult for the University to maintain a sense of consistency, let alone progress with a constantly revolving administration. Student and community activists, as well as workers have been around for a long time, but, for the most part, we don’t have the power to make the necessary changes, so we’re forced to educate each new administration on the vital issues we face. Denton was beginning to understand our concerns, and had started to frequently advocate for our efforts, but with her tragic passing, our attempts of progress within the University have been significantly set back. Who will follow through on Denton, and previous administrations’ positive efforts and promises?
Denton came to UCSC with a progressive vision for change, yet the hierarchical, undemocratic and unaccountable structure of the University created an environment where radical systematic change was extremely difficult. The type of change we’re looking for would require more than one individual’s efforts. It would take an institutional commitment, where everyone from the Chancellor to the Deans of various academic divisions are actively engaged. Significant systematic change, working within the current hierarchical structure, would also require a commitment from the UC Regents and the UCOP, something we have yet to see.
This type of change at UCSC is possible, although very unlikely, especially due to Denton’s departure. Another approach besides a reliance on those currently in power is the pursuit of a more decentralized, democratic and accountable university where the communities most affected by, and most knowledgeable of particular institutional problems are given the power, and institutional support to spearhead the necessary changes. This would mean a fundamental shift in the structure of the University of California, giving students, workers, and community members the ability to determine the education of their communities. In my eyes, this approach offers more of a potential for long-term systematic change than a reliance on individual administrators that may posses positive qualities.
Ultimately, though, in order to move forward as best we can, we’ll undoubtedly take multiple approaches at the same time – we’ll be working within the current hierarchical institution while also moving towards a University with a radically different structure and relations of power. Denton’s commitment to diversity was admirable, and so I’d like to end by echoing Angela Davis’ comments at the Chancellor’s recent memorial: I hope that we will all strive to continue the legacy of Denton’s commitment to diversity and social justice, in whatever form it may take.
My condolences to the friends and family of Denice D. Denton. She will be missed.
-----
I’d like to thank Chanda, Ray, Becky, Paula, and Amanda for their thoughtful critiques and support in writing this article. I’d also like to encourage everyone to comment on this article, spread it around, write your own, and begin discussing the future of UCSC with your friends, colleagues, and families.
Sources of Some Information:
Remembrances from Friends and Colleagues
http://www.ucsc.edu/administration/denice_denton/remembrance.asp
Suicide of a Chancellor
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2006/06/26/denton
Photos from Denton’s memorial ceremony
http://www.mercurynewsphoto.com/2006/06/29/in-memoriam/
Denton’s memorial ceremony (specifically Angela Davis’ speech)
http://www.ucsc.edu/administration/denice_denton/memorial_ceremony.mov
Death leaves gap in female science leadership
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/health/14937454.htm
UCSC's Denton carried additional burden on her shoulders
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/14928207.htm
Denton Remembered As 'Warrior'
http://www.nbc11.com/news/9450332/detail.html
Denice Denton, 1959-2006: Former UW dean fought for women in the sciences
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/275504_dentonobit27.html
A terrible loss
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid33195.asp
Campus leaders reflect on Denice Denton’s life, career
http://www.news.wisc.edu/12679.html
Chancellor's residence wish list made public
UC paid $600,000 to make upgrades to University House
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/30/BAGD9I0FK61.DTL
A Problem of Hard-wiring
http://www.metroactive.com/metro-santa-cruz/11.23.05/nuz-0547.html
Chancellor Denton's inaugural address
http://www.ucsc.edu/news_events/press/video/download/investiture_11-04-05.mov
UCSC clerical workers rally for new contract, pay raises
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2005/January/28/local/stories/02local.htm
UC hires partner of chancellor
Creates $192,000 post for Santa Cruz chief's lesbian lover
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/01/20/BAG27AT2CQ1.DTL
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Denton's death is sad on many levels. She is a victim of a system that put her in a position to represent an institution doing abysmal things.
It is true that she faced many difficulties as an administrator at UCSC. And it is true that students and workers and community members were willing to confront her on difficult issues. And while we still hold people accountable for the choices they make, when we direct protest at individuals, we are directing it at the position within the institution they represent.
Through protest and appeals and theater and meetings and myrid other tactics, we are consistently asking people in positions of power to step out of their roles for a moment to consider the people their decisions effect, real people with real lives and real suffering.
It would be tragic indeed if Denice Denton was personally affected by the resistance she faced, but found herself powerless to make change in her institutional role.
It is true that she faced many difficulties as an administrator at UCSC. And it is true that students and workers and community members were willing to confront her on difficult issues. And while we still hold people accountable for the choices they make, when we direct protest at individuals, we are directing it at the position within the institution they represent.
Through protest and appeals and theater and meetings and myrid other tactics, we are consistently asking people in positions of power to step out of their roles for a moment to consider the people their decisions effect, real people with real lives and real suffering.
It would be tragic indeed if Denice Denton was personally affected by the resistance she faced, but found herself powerless to make change in her institutional role.
Thank you Josh for writing this article, it clarifies and expresses many of the thoughts and conversations I've had about the Chancellor's passing. I send my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and to the communities which she supported.
Chancellor Denton however, was not the first nor the last person fighting for progressive and much needed change to buckle under the weight of professional and personal pressures at UCSC. I know of many student activists who have had emotional/mental breakdowns due to the pressures of holding down a job (to pay for unaffrodable living and educational costs), performing well in school (or even just barely passing), and organizing (so that there may be a better future for both themselves and their communities). My knowledge is of students, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear that many workers and faculty have experienced the same or similar.
It is ironic that those who have done the most to undermine us as activists and who showed little love for enacting the Chancellor's vision of "diversity through excellence" are emerging from this unscathed, and possibly even strengthened. It will be easy for administrators to point to activists and say "shame on you;" it will be easy for sexist homophobes to point to Denton's actions as proof that women and queers are unfit for leadership in the sciences and elsewhere; it will be easy to say that the change both activists and Denton wished to see is impractical and detrimental to the UC and society as a whole. Denton's death is an indictment of these people and their actions, and yet these people remain as faceless and (largely) nameless as ever.
I would also like to add that Chancellor Denton unavoidably entered into a historical context in which much has been promised to people of color and to workers on the part of people in desicion-making positions (both within the UC and society at large), and many or most of the promises have yet to be fulfilled. Most notably, the promise of an Ethnic Studies department on the UCSC campus was promised 10 or 20 years ago after a hard fought battle with administrators by students, and yet today there is no such department and, as Josh mentioned, 40% of the faculty of color at UCSC are leaving or considering leaving. Thus, there are very few activists who trust much of what any figure in Denton's position might say until there has been action to back it up. Even a year (which was the duration of Denton's tenure as chancellor) is sometimes too long to wait when in comes to workers feeding their families, students being compelled to stay at UCSC, or for faculty to ignore/fight against insulting and degrading treatment. (To those of you who dismiss these complaints as overstated, or who are thinking that "it can't be all THAT BAD," I assure you that if you were to genuinely inquire as to the state of these three groups, you will find story after story and fact after fact that only supports these claims.)
I would like to again send my condolences to Denise's family and friends; no one should have been compelled to do what she did, no matter what their political views, and i am deeply sorry for the pain that has been left in her wake.
In peace and in health,
Alissa
Chancellor Denton however, was not the first nor the last person fighting for progressive and much needed change to buckle under the weight of professional and personal pressures at UCSC. I know of many student activists who have had emotional/mental breakdowns due to the pressures of holding down a job (to pay for unaffrodable living and educational costs), performing well in school (or even just barely passing), and organizing (so that there may be a better future for both themselves and their communities). My knowledge is of students, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear that many workers and faculty have experienced the same or similar.
It is ironic that those who have done the most to undermine us as activists and who showed little love for enacting the Chancellor's vision of "diversity through excellence" are emerging from this unscathed, and possibly even strengthened. It will be easy for administrators to point to activists and say "shame on you;" it will be easy for sexist homophobes to point to Denton's actions as proof that women and queers are unfit for leadership in the sciences and elsewhere; it will be easy to say that the change both activists and Denton wished to see is impractical and detrimental to the UC and society as a whole. Denton's death is an indictment of these people and their actions, and yet these people remain as faceless and (largely) nameless as ever.
I would also like to add that Chancellor Denton unavoidably entered into a historical context in which much has been promised to people of color and to workers on the part of people in desicion-making positions (both within the UC and society at large), and many or most of the promises have yet to be fulfilled. Most notably, the promise of an Ethnic Studies department on the UCSC campus was promised 10 or 20 years ago after a hard fought battle with administrators by students, and yet today there is no such department and, as Josh mentioned, 40% of the faculty of color at UCSC are leaving or considering leaving. Thus, there are very few activists who trust much of what any figure in Denton's position might say until there has been action to back it up. Even a year (which was the duration of Denton's tenure as chancellor) is sometimes too long to wait when in comes to workers feeding their families, students being compelled to stay at UCSC, or for faculty to ignore/fight against insulting and degrading treatment. (To those of you who dismiss these complaints as overstated, or who are thinking that "it can't be all THAT BAD," I assure you that if you were to genuinely inquire as to the state of these three groups, you will find story after story and fact after fact that only supports these claims.)
I would like to again send my condolences to Denise's family and friends; no one should have been compelled to do what she did, no matter what their political views, and i am deeply sorry for the pain that has been left in her wake.
In peace and in health,
Alissa
This attempt to spark debate is disingenuine because Josh Sonnenfeld leaves so much out of the picture. Whether or not he's fully conscious of it, this is his attempt to come to terms with Denton's suicide without holding any sense of contrition. The is psychpathology at its worst, certainly no better that the denial held by those in power.
Sonnenfeld has described Denton's death as "unfortunate". That sent shivers down my spine.
Sounds to me like someone trying to seperate themselves from Denton's death even while purpoting to solve the problems that led to it.
Sonnenfeld has described Denton's death as "unfortunate". That sent shivers down my spine.
Sounds to me like someone trying to seperate themselves from Denton's death even while purpoting to solve the problems that led to it.
Josh,
The conversation cannot go on until you address what the Mercury News is reporting - that Denton was extremely disturbed by your June 6 protest. How you we acheive radical social change when such protests can effectively strip the humanity from people in power?
Had you looked beyond your anger at the system, you could've capitalized on Denton's reputation as a pioneering agent for change within the system. Instead you demonized Denton, calling her a hypocrit. This hurt her. Now, she'll probably be replaced by a straight, white, Christian male who will understand the goals you're trying to acheive even less.
A proactive approach must examine what happened with humility and insight. Please acknowledge the failure of the June 6th-style protest (without blaming others).
The conversation cannot go on until you address what the Mercury News is reporting - that Denton was extremely disturbed by your June 6 protest. How you we acheive radical social change when such protests can effectively strip the humanity from people in power?
Had you looked beyond your anger at the system, you could've capitalized on Denton's reputation as a pioneering agent for change within the system. Instead you demonized Denton, calling her a hypocrit. This hurt her. Now, she'll probably be replaced by a straight, white, Christian male who will understand the goals you're trying to acheive even less.
A proactive approach must examine what happened with humility and insight. Please acknowledge the failure of the June 6th-style protest (without blaming others).
It was the struggle of the PEOPLE, and the pics from 5/23 are VERY EVIDENT OF THAT. Brown faces mostly, and I'm only sad that I was not physically there to support. It *is* unfortunate that she had to take that route. How come no one isn't asking why she didn't simply take the time to level with the raza janitors, for example? Let's not forget the reasons why she was even confronted in the first place and therefore not forget people who have been affected by it. Families are starving, don't know what their next year or decade will look like, they struggle to get around town and to work, even. When a child gets sick they have battle it out with their insurance. Things that if and only if you're brown you would know, which I can most certainly say hardly represents the rich white hippie kids who get mommy and daddy's money to come to UCSC. Do you see them jumping off a building? There was a culture of racial hostility where IF AND ONLY IF you're not white you would know what it feels like to get snubbed or shafted. No dead faculty there either. There was a habit of exorbitant spending --$600K in renovations? Come on!! Some folks would've been happy to have taken what was considerably disliked by Denice at the University House. Just because she is now gone, lets not make excuses for what has happened. It happened, it happened and it happened. Giving the chancellor position to some rich christian white male wouldn't make that much of a difference. Her lack of reaching out to the students and workers in struggle only demonstrated a pompousness that is classic of high level UC administrators. If she indeed was incapable for reasons having to do with her mental being then what was she doing there then? So don't place the blame on Josh as if 6/6 was *his* protest and try to sugar coat the chancellor's ways, 'cause if we could go back, I'd most certainly make it a point to be there, and all those folks in debt, I'm sure, too.
. . . is an apparent unwillingness and/or inability of "activists" to acknowledge mistakes, misinterpretations, or any other human failing. In this an the related article in which Josh feels it is important to share his feelings with us (as though anyone cares what he feels), I see nothing but rationalizing, temporizing, moralizing. Where is the HUMANITY? Politics without humanity is the time-honored road to hell, no matter what your politics. As much as I would celebrate the demise of the current power structure, I have no yearning for a new one led by those who find it so convenient to absolve themselves of any responsibility whatever for brutish behavior and vile words. To hell with all of you.
Many of you might be interested to know that the original plans for the rennovation of the Chancellor's home (which is also used as an event center) called for a budget of over $1.2 million dollars. This was in the works before Denton even arrived, and she is the one who actually called for a smaller budget and more modest reservations.
Can you prove that?
The types of concessions made in hiring Chancellor Denton are par for the course for hiring University Chancellors and Presidents. The current President of the University of Washington also asked for money to remodel the President's mansion before he accepted the position. I'm surprised that no one has done research on this before striking out at her. Is it fair to saddle Denton with centuries of class based based rage? In fact, what I have read from this publication is a series of personal attacks, including her attire. This is activism?
I had the privilige to work with Denise Denton briefly at the University of Washington. She was one of the few adminstrators who worked hard to fundamentally change existing inequities at her old institution. She was also open minded and helped others who had visions accomplish their goals (a trait deeply lacking in the academy). I'm just amazed at what some of the activist community in Santa Cruz has been saying about her. I'm doubly surprised that the same ill founded accusations exist after her tragic suicide. What the hell is happening down there?
Finally, I would like to commend Josh Sonnenfeld for the most thoughtful piece on Denton that was published in this forum.
Sickened in Seattle
I had the privilige to work with Denise Denton briefly at the University of Washington. She was one of the few adminstrators who worked hard to fundamentally change existing inequities at her old institution. She was also open minded and helped others who had visions accomplish their goals (a trait deeply lacking in the academy). I'm just amazed at what some of the activist community in Santa Cruz has been saying about her. I'm doubly surprised that the same ill founded accusations exist after her tragic suicide. What the hell is happening down there?
Finally, I would like to commend Josh Sonnenfeld for the most thoughtful piece on Denton that was published in this forum.
Sickened in Seattle
It hurts to see deserving human issues reduced to screaming indictments of those not responsible. UC may have big problems, but Denise Denton caused none of them. Why she became the poster child for all of the UC system problems is unclear to me. Was it because she was an easy target? A lesbian. Why have there been rants against the person responsible for the current situation in UC and who offered Denton the job? Only women have come under fire.
Sorry. I meant "WHy have there NOT been any rants..."
It has nothing to do with her being a lesbian or a woman, that’s a lot of hogwash. UCSC students pick on every chancellor, regardless if they warrant the criticism or not. People have to realize that the activist community on campus is as disconnected from reality as one can get.
I can't believe what I read here. Just because she was gay does not excuse the corruption. I can just imagine the uproar if a straight white male chancellor had his wife appointed to a lucrative position, got a free house, had his wife getting an additional housing allowance, had a $30,000 dog house built etc, etc---especially as tuition rates soar.
Sorry folks, but I just can't drink the Kool aide anymore. What is wrong, is wrong regardless of who does it.
It is sad that she took her life, but the fact that she was gay should not earn her a free pass.
It seems that if Ken Lay was gay there would be all kinds of stuff on here lionizing him.
Sorry folks, but I just can't drink the Kool aide anymore. What is wrong, is wrong regardless of who does it.
It is sad that she took her life, but the fact that she was gay should not earn her a free pass.
It seems that if Ken Lay was gay there would be all kinds of stuff on here lionizing him.
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