Among universities, it’s often UC Berkeley that’s heralded as too liberal for its own good — it’s always been a hotspot for student activism. But people forget that UC Davis is wonderfully progressive in its own ways, with people, institutions and programs pushing for the university to truly make waves in the 21st century. There’s always more to be done, of course, but perhaps we’re off to a good start. Here are eight reasons why our lovable “farm school” is progressive AF and by the time you graduate, there will hopefully be more.
1. It was named the most sustainable university in the world for its transportation (bussing and bicycling), renewable energy, waste reduction, and recycling efforts. UC Davis beat out 515 other colleges from around the world for this title!
2. There are now vending machines on campus that dispense emergency contraception, condoms, pregnancy tests and menstrual products. Fourth-year and former ASUCD senator Parteek Singh spearheaded the project, which he believes is a step in the right direction for student health.
3. UC Davis is the only school in the UC system with a designated AB540 center for undocumented students. You can learn more about the support and resources they offer to students here.
4. UC Davis is among the few American universities with a preferred name service, allowing students to be identified on all official university documents with the name they choose. This policy has mattered deeply to international students and to transgender students, because both groups have people who choose to use names that reflect their personal preferences and gender identities.
5. According to Forbes, it’s the top school in the country for women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). UC Davis programs will only continue to push for female and minority representation in STEM.
6. The Native American Academic Student Success Center opened just this month. While Native American students are a minority ethnic group on campus, they deserve culturally-sensitive support, equitable resources, and access to facilities. UC Davis also has an African American Diaspora Center and Chicano and Latino Academic Success Center.
7. UC Davis is home to the #UConsent campaign, which aims to put an end to sexual violence on college campuses and spread education sexual assault prevention.
8. It’s home to people who will make a difference. Consider our alumni: Hasan Minhaj of The Daily Show, Monika Kalra Varma of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, and Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the first Asian-Filipina American and the second woman to serve as California’s chief justice. The students, faculty, and staff at UC Davis are the people who make it a progressive place and will continue to ensure that it is a leading institution in social justice.
Cover photo: Mariana Huben
*None of the images belong to Her Campus or the author.