Golden State Today

As her retirement looms at the end of next month, Chancellor Carol Christ reflected on her seven-year tenure at UC Berkeley this past Thursday. Her reflections spanned her proudest accomplishments and deepest regrets, with a particular focus on the encampment outside Sproul Hall and the protests that have been sweeping college campuses nationwide.

Christ outlined three goals she hopes to achieve: enabling students to take finals with minimal disruption, ensuring graduations proceed as planned, and minimizing escalation among protesters. "I believe that people have the right to protest, even though the protest is violating some of our time, place and manner rules," Christ said. She emphasized her stance of allowing peaceful protests to continue while also engaging in dialogue with protest leaders to find a way forward.

The chancellor acknowledged concerns about safety near the encampment which has grown over the past two weeks on Savio Steps and around Sproul Hall. To address these concerns, the campus established the Wayfinders program which provides guides to escort individuals through Sproul Plaza if they feel uncomfortable doing so alone.

According to Christ, what sets apart these ongoing events from previous protest movements is that it's not just students against campus leaders or politicians; it's also students against students. This dynamic threatens higher education's fundamental purpose as a place for exchanging and expressing differing ideas.

"We are trying to do our best to assure an environment that does not discriminate or harass," Christ said. "But that doesn't mean protect you from opinions with which you may very sharply disagree."

She noted various projects being developed on campus aimed at addressing challenges involving free speech and political expression. These range from a new class teaching incoming students about free speech to programs training students how to engage in discussions or debates about challenging topics.

While much of Thursday's conversation revolved around protests, Christ also took time to reflect on her tenure as chancellor — a role she initially expected would last less than five years. She expressed immense pride in the significant progress made in constructing student housing, citing the soon-to-be-completed Anchor House and the upcoming xučyun ruwway housing complex for graduate students as major milestones.

On regrets, Christ admitted there were a few. Despite strides towards diversity, equity and inclusion goals, she acknowledged there's still a long way to go. She also expressed regret over the slow progress in repatriating Indigenous ancestral remains.

Reflecting on her tenure marked by enormous challenges including the pandemic, racial justice protests, controversial speakers, wars in the Middle East and budget shortfalls, Christ thanked staff members who helped navigate these issues.

Looking forward to retirement, Christ plans to board a London-bound plane on June 30 with her son and two granddaughters. Beyond that, she plans to read, write and play the viola. "Higher education is my life," Christ said. "I'm not going to stop thinking about higher education, writing about higher education. But I believe when you leave a job, you leave a job."