Will our university help solve emergent problems? Or dismantle families and communities?

My name is Leslie. I’m an anthropologist, and I’ve been teaching at UCSC for 18 years. I am the only income-earner for my family at the moment, and pay 75% of my check to our rent. Currently I specialize in developing and teaching university-community engagement programs: bilingual education; legal aid and advocacy; community research. Layoffs in our community would mean cascading displacement and disaster: losing more place-based knowledge (the people) and community infrastructure–our shelter and networks. Terrible for kids. #NoLayoffs. #UCWeSeeYou #CommunityInvestmentNotDivestment.