The role that universities play in social transformation has always been imbued with contradictions. On one hand, campuses serve as critical sites for radical re-imaginings of the world, community mobilization, and organizing. At the same time, the institutional structures that govern these campuses are often placed into an antagonistic and even counterinsurgent relationship to this work.
On February 11, 2026, this panel conversation brought together academic organizers to explore the importance of campus activism in troubled times....
Explore the latest news and stories about the HSESI Program on our dedicated news page. Stay updated on our journey! For news inquiries, please email hsesi@berkeley.edu.
As one of the first universities in the country to create an ethnic studies department, Berkeley is helping high schools chart their own path.
Last summer, California teachers geared up to teach ethnic studies in their classrooms at a weeklong conference held at UC Berkeley, where campus faculty and staff members provided them with support, resources, teaching materials and the opportunity to craft their own lesson plans. Read More
UC Berkeley had one of the nation’s first ethnic studies departments. This summer, its leadership continues with the High School Ethnic Studies Initiative, tailored for high school educators interested in teaching this important course. Through a comprehensive curriculum encompassing concepts, content and community building, participating educators have an opportunity to refine their teaching approaches and develop engaging course...
