Editor's note: Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi sent the following letter on Jan. 13 in response to e-mails that she received earlier in the day concerning a class at the School of Veterinary Medicine. She is sharing the letter with the campus community.

Thank you for sharing with me your concerns about a female student in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the manner in which a faculty member reportedly handled the student’s brief time away from school for childbirth. I have received numerous e-mails today expressing concern about this matter.

I want to assure you that I take very seriously any allegations that a student’s welfare, dignity or academic rights have in any way been compromised. And as a woman, who has experienced firsthand the challenges of melding academic and family life and has experienced discrimination, I am especially sensitive to this issue. This alleged action, if found to be true, would present a serious deviation from the values and principles that guide our campus and our School of Veterinary Medicine, and I would be profoundly disappointed if the reported events did in fact transpire on this campus.

I have asked Ralph Hexter, UC Davis’ provost and executive vice chancellor, to initiate a thorough review of this matter. He will ensure that all appropriate procedures are followed and that the appropriate campus authorities will make a final determination as to whether any campus policies and procedures were violated and, if so, what steps need to be taken. I expect rapid attention and response from the provost.

Our veterinary school, with an enrollment that is 85 percent female, has a long history of providing accommodations for the health and well being of its students and their families. During a student’s pregnancy, the school customarily works with her to help catch up after being away for childbirth or to arrange for an extended leave after which she can resume her academic program. And for mothers of infants, the school provides a lactation room so that students can continue breastfeeding their babies.

I am committed to taking swift and appropriate action, should it be warranted, for any finding of faculty misconduct. Again, thank you for your note and please do not hesitate to contact me on this or other matters of concern.

Sincerely,

Linda P.B. Katehi
Chancellor