Dean Johnson Publishes Op-ed on University Protest Investigations in Sacramento Bee
Dean Kevin R. Johnson published an op-ed in the Sacramento Bee calling for respect for due process of law as more facts are found in formulating a response to the November 18, 2011 incident in which protesting UC Davis students were pepper-sprayed by campus police.
Shortly following the incident, video of the pepper-spraying was posted and widely circulated online, prompting outraged reactions that included some calls for the resignation of UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi. Several investigations have been launched, including one by a 12-member task force appointed by UC President Mark Yudof that includes Professors Cruz Reynoso and Alan Brownstein as well as King Hall student William McKenna '12.
In his op-ed, Dean Johnson writes that "We should allow the investigations of the pepper-spraying incident to run their courses. Only then can we, as a community, decide what changes and actions are needed. Due process of law and the integrity of our university require no less."
Kevin R. Johnson is Dean and Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law and Chicana/o studies at UC Davis School of Law. He is an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of immigration law and policy, refugee law, and civil rights.