President Milliken’s statement on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday

The University of California and people across our nation honor the life, impact and sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The words and deeds of this extraordinary man continue to inspire us, more than a half century after his death.

Higher education has a fundamental role in achieving Dr. King's dream by providing access and opportunity to people of all backgrounds. UC and other institutions across the country have made much progress toward this end, but have more work to do. Today, let us rededicate ourselves to the values for which Dr. King struggled, and ultimately gave his life, and to the essential and unfinished work of providing opportunity and hope to all Americans.

In challenging times, it is important to remember, as Dr. King reminded us, "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." As we work together to champion the values of a democratic society and this university, let us pause to reflect on the importance in our time of Dr. King's example and his teaching.

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