To the Editor:
While I would like to recognize your efforts to comprehensively report on a complex issue, your recent examination of disciplinary processes involving Priyanga Amarasekare (“UCLA Punished a Prominent Scientist for ‘Destructive and Harmful Conduct.’ She Says It’s ‘Unjust Persecution’” The Chronicle, March 18) continues to reflect the imbalanced narrative that emerges when only one side of the story is shared.
In keeping with the law and UCLA policies related to privacy and confidentiality, I — along with other impacted parties — must continue to refrain from substantive comment on many aspects of the Chronicle’s story. However, I would like to offer important context and one comment in response.
The article implies that I joined “Professor R” in an attack on Professor Amarasekare, writing that I “came to [Professor R’s] defense, filing charges accusing Amarasekare of creating a hostile environment.” While I cannot speak to specific personnel actions, if any, as dean of UCLA’s Division of Life Sciences I am a mandatory reporter. If a faculty member feels they have suffered a civil-rights violation, it is my obligation under University of California policy and standard UCLA procedure to ensure the complaint is brought to the attention of the appropriate campus agencies. This is a duty I take seriously and carry out objectively.
I would also like to affirm my own career-long commitment to building equitable, diverse, and inclusive spaces for the study of the life sciences. Throughout my professional life, I have been keenly aware of the issues facing those who are historically underrepresented in these fields. Fostering an academic community that is welcoming, supportive, and free from racism of all kinds and other forms of discrimination is at the core of my leadership and decision-making.
Tracy Johnson
Dean, Division of Life Sciences
Professor of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology
University of California at Los Angeles
