Berkeley's Betrayal - Public Sociology @ Berkeley - University of ...

CONCLUSION: A Principled CommunityDuring the month of March 2004, when our graduate student research collective was in theprocess of the final editing for Berkeley’s Betrayal: Wages and Working Conditions at Cal,top administrators at U.C. Berkeley sent out a survey to “All Berkeley Students” to solicit studentinput into the formulation of a document entitled, “Principles of Community.” In the emailaccompanying this survey, Chancellor Robert M. Berdahl speaks movingly of this “very importanttime for building the future of the Cal community.” “It is my sincere wish,” Berdahl tellsstudents, “that the adoption of a set of ‘Principles of Community’ will support the dignity,integrity, and intellectual endeavors of all who make Cal part of their lives.”The “Principles of Community” articulate ideals and aspirations befitting a world-class educationalcommunity—one which cherishes and fosters honesty and integrity in teaching, learning,research, and administration; civility in speech and interactions; mutual respect for the dignity ofall individuals; engagement through leadership and participation; open access to opportunities forlearning and development; and finally, caring and support for all campus community members.Such principles outline the commitments of the mythical University of California at Berkeleywhich exists in our collective imagination—that “vital and diverse educational community …that strives to transform the lives of all it touches.” At this university….students, staff, and faculty dedicate themselves to personal and academic excellence andshare a passion for critical inquiry. Berkeley takes pride in being a safe place for theformation and expression of ideas, providing a rich learning environment and communitylife rooted in the diversity of its people. The University uses its academic strength toimprove everyday life, connecting the individual and the community and emphasizingservice to others as a way to contribute to a better world.This is the university the workers we interviewed came in search of when they took a job “inservice of others … to contribute to a better world.” This is not the university they found. Theuniversity they found pays them wages insufficient to take care of their most basic needs and theneeds of those whom they love. The university they found does not ensure their health and safety29