UCSF Investigates Offensive Workplace Incident

On the evening of July 10, a UCSF employee found a noose hanging from a box in a storeroom on the Parnassus campus. The employee took a photo and reported the matter to a supervisor, who immediately removed the rope and alerted management.

The person who was responsible for placing the rope promptly stepped forward, and was placed on investigatory leave on July 12.

At the request of Renee Navarro, MD, PharmD, UCSF’s vice chancellor for Diversity and Outreach, this offensive act is being investigated as a hostile work environment incident. UCSF does not tolerate acts of discrimination, intimidation or hostility and is strongly committed to fostering an atmosphere that supports diversity, equity and inclusion. Upon the conclusion of this investigation, appropriate action will be taken. 

An extensive UCSF Police investigation was also immediately undertaken and concluded there was no evidence of a crime. UCSF Police presented the matter to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office for additional review. The District Attorney’s Office also determined that a crime had not taken place and declined to file charges.

The noose was fashioned from rope contained in the storage room, and the responsible individual said it was intended as a private prank with no malicious intention or target. The storeroom has no public access.

Outreach and support for employees in the affected departments continues. UCSF also provides no-cost confidential counseling to all faculty or staff.    

"The Office of Diversity and Outreach was developed to assure accountability to our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and I am committed to a timely and just resolution of this incident," said Navarro.

Members of the campus community are welcome to contact [email protected] with questions or concerns. The Office of Diversity and Outreach will continue to work on making UCSF an inclusive and welcoming environment for all groups at UCSF.