My friend and fellow 2025 cohort member in the Biological Science PhD program at UC San Diego has recently faced an incredibly challenging situation. She made the brave decision to leave her laboratory due to allegations of sexual harassment against her thesis advisor and boss. Stepping out of a hostile environment like that requires immense courage. Unfortunately, she now faces the risk of being dismissed from the program due to the lack of time to secure a new laboratory rotation.

The importance of providing support in such situations cannot be overstated. Sexual harassment in academia is a well-documented issue. According to a 2018 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, sexual harassment is pervasive across all levels of academia, causing many talented students to abandon their studies or even their careers.

Given that UC San Diego is a leader in promoting a safe and inclusive academic environment, I implore the administration to match this standard. By granting her an extended grace period, the university would not only support a victim of harassment during an incredibly difficult time but also set a precedent of understanding and compassion in the face of adversity.

The UC San Diego Biological Sciences Graduate Student Handbook states a deadline for dismissal from the program if a thesis advisor is not selected by June 30. The program administration has extended this deadline to July 24 for this member of our cohort. While this was an appreciated gesture, our friend has not been able to secure a single rotation placement despite her nearly 50 cold-emails to faculty across the UCSD and Salk campuses.  She has reached out to faculty, advisors, and peers for help finding faculty who might allow her to rotate in the lab to no avail. Even the current Biological Sciences website faculty listings have been stripped all the rotation availability information, leaving her with very few leads and resources to find them.  Anyone familiar with our classmate's situation knows that it is through no fault of her own that she is not in compliance with this program requirement.  The handbook also states: "We affirm each individual’s right to dignity and strive to maintain a climate of justice marked by mutual respect for each other." We call the Biological Sciences administration to reflect on this affirmation.

Extending this grace period is not simply a matter of fairness, but it is also a testament to the values of integrity and support that our institution stands for. It serves as a message to all students that UCSD protects and stands by those who have the courage to report misconduct.

This member of the 2025 BioSci cohort has shown prowess in conducting and disseminating research, and has served faithfully as a teaching assistant. We value her deeply as a friend and colleague, and her dismissal from this program would be a significant loss to our community.

Join me in urging the UC San Diego administration to provide my friend with the fair opportunity she deserves. Please sign this petition to show your support for an inclusive and fair academic environment at our esteemed university.