The ASUC formally condemns UC Berkeley's decision to place Lupe Gallegos-Diaz, Director of the Chicanx Latinx Student Department, on administrative leave, citing a lack of transparency and disproportionate action. This resolution calls for her immediate reinstatement to her director positions and demands the continuation of all Chicano Latino Student Development courses and programming. It also directs the ASUC President to coordinate a meeting with the Chancellor and his Cabinet to discuss her reinstatement, aiming to uphold the university's commitment to the Latine Community and its Hispanic Serving Institution status.
No roll call was taken. Everyone recorded present when the Senate agreed is shown as not objecting.
15 people spoke
sep 9A UC Berkeley alum asks for support to reinstate Lupe Gallo-Díaz, praising her 35-year history of advocacy, fundraising, and mentorship for Latino students. The speaker criticizes putting her on administrative leave as unfair and politically motivated.
Steven Pearson Ocaña spoke in support of reinstating Lupe Gallegos-Diaz, sharing how she supported him through hardship and prevented his eviction by UC Berkeley. He emphasized her 30 years of dedication to students and called for her immediate reinstatement.
Rebecca Gutierrez-Mansales, a Cal alumna and former first-generation undocumented student, urged the Senate to bring back Lupe Gallegos-Diaz, stating she would not have graduated or become a special education teacher without her support.
The speaker voiced strong support for Lupe Gallegos-Diaz, emphasizing her crucial role in establishing student support and diversity initiatives such as the Latinx Environment program. They urged the reinstatement of Lupe Gallegos-Diaz, explaining that her absence has left remaining staff overworked and struggling to maintain program operations.
The speaker spoke in support of Lupe, describing her as a vital pillar for diversity and community programs within CNR like Latinx Environment. They highlighted the heavy workload and exhaustion staff are facing in her absence and asked for Lupe to be brought back.
Winston Ordonia, a freshman, expressed solidarity with the Latinx community and urged the Senate to reinstate Lupe. He argued that placing her on administrative leave without transparency represents a systemic failure by UC Berkeley.
Alexis Mesa spoke in support of reinstating campus leader Lupe, emphasizing her critical role in building the university's Latinx community and support infrastructure. Mesa condemned her unannounced administrative leave and urged the ASUC Senate to advocate for her reinstatement.
Alec speaks in support of resolution SR 26/27-003, sharing how Lupe Gallegos-Diaz personally helped them stay at UC Berkeley and reach graduation. Alex describes witnessing Lupe being escorted out of the center by administration and asks for her return.
Alina Leticia Zarate spoke in support of Lupe Gallegos-Diaz, praising her 30 years of mentorship and advocate work for generations of Latina students at UC Berkeley. She condemned the administration for suddenly removing Gallegos-Diaz and disregarding the negative impact on the student community.
Elizabeth Peña speaks in support of Lupe, highlighting her essential and irreplaceable support for student programs at the CLSD. She calls on the ACC to demand full administrative transparency and support Lupe's immediate reinstatement.
Andrew, a third-year environmental science student, urged the ASUC Senate to support reinstating Lupe Gallegos-Diaz. He highlighted how her Latinx in the Environment initiative supported Latino students in STEM and empowered them to pursue research at UC Berkeley.
A co-facilitator for the Latinx Leadership Seminar requested ASUC support in demanding transparency and the reinstatement of Lupe Gallegos-Diaz. She criticized the university for abruptly canceling the class without formal communication, noting that dropping enrolled students without notice puts their financial aid at risk.
Ariana Mendoza spoke in favor of reinstating Lupe Gallegos-Diaz and requested transparency regarding the situation. She highlighted how Lupe Gallegos-Diaz acts as a vital pillar and mentor for students, providing support programming that helps them succeed.
A senior data science student voiced support for reinstating Lupe Gallegos-Diaz, emphasizing her 30-year legacy at UC Berkeley and her role in expanding engagement at the Latinx Student Resource Center from 2,000 to over 10,000 students.
A student spoke in strong support of Lupe Gallegos-Diaz, emphasizing her three-decade legacy and criticizing the university and ASUC for stripping away vital educational resources and programs. They called on student government to actively defend student needs and resist attacks on the Latine community.
