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UCLA claims to support Veterans and students of color, but in the middle of a pandemic has shown that this is a performative statement. Honorably discharged Air Force veteran and cancer survivor, Hughlin Boyd, a Ph.D. candidate, was abruptly denied his TA appointmentship after contracts were signed. As a result of this, he has been unemployed and has been faced with covering his cost of living, housing, tuition, and medical expenses in the middle of a pandemic while being immunocompromised and legally blind. He intends on graduating in June 2023 and needs assistance in achieving this milestone. Here is where you can read more about his story and the amazing work he has been able to accomplish during his time at UCLA: https://dailybruin.com/2016/01/27/teaching-assistant-inspires-with-his-lifelong-commitment-to-education
Boyd is a true treasure and has positively impacted the lives of many students on campus. Boyd relies on public transportation to get around and can still be seen staying on campus until the early hours of the morning, sacrificing his only means of getting home, if his students need support. He has always put his students before himself, admitting that he prioritizes his students over his health at times in order to set the example that his students “can achieve anything possible, despite circumstance.” Boyd’s background is one that many students can relate to, which is why he has served as a positive and life-changing role model for students. Here is where you can read more about his background, youth, and the challenges he has faced in his lifetime: https://haam.org/jamaican-and-jewish-overcoming-adversity-and-finding-g-d/
“UC’s behavior towards Hughlin Boyd is callous, unprofessional, and directly violates the terms of our contract,” said Yunyi Li, head steward of the union at UCLA. “Mr. Boyd is a gifted academic and teacher who has earned three degrees and served in the Jamaican national government. He brings an enormous amount of perspective to UC – and we will not stand by as UC administrators devalue him and put his health at risk. He deserves to be fairly compensated and we will fight to make sure that happens.” Despite a resolution, UCLA has yet to rehire Boyd in any way, shape, or form, which only compounds his financial stress.
UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block released a statement on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the day before Veterans Day, acknowledging efforts made to support UCLA veterans: “Earlier this year, UCLA was ranked the No. 1 public institution in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of best colleges for veterans… UCLA’s veterans selflessly volunteered to serve our nation and its people, and we must repay them by ensuring our community remains accommodating of their needs, committed to understanding the complexity of military service, appreciative of the knowledge and experiences they bring to campus, and eager to assist them in the transition to civilian life. On Veterans Day, we humbly acknowledge that we can never serve our veterans in quite the same way that they served us, but it remains our duty to try.”
UCLA has released numerous statements about their support of veteran students, but how does this demonstrate their support if they are willing to leave this student without health care or a job? This only goes to show that administration is more show than substance.
Your kind support of Hughlin Boyd is welcomed and appreciated. With your help, your financial assistance can get him to his end goal in June.
Boyd is a true treasure and has positively impacted the lives of many students on campus. Boyd relies on public transportation to get around and can still be seen staying on campus until the early hours of the morning, sacrificing his only means of getting home, if his students need support. He has always put his students before himself, admitting that he prioritizes his students over his health at times in order to set the example that his students “can achieve anything possible, despite circumstance.” Boyd’s background is one that many students can relate to, which is why he has served as a positive and life-changing role model for students. Here is where you can read more about his background, youth, and the challenges he has faced in his lifetime: https://haam.org/jamaican-and-jewish-overcoming-adversity-and-finding-g-d/
“UC’s behavior towards Hughlin Boyd is callous, unprofessional, and directly violates the terms of our contract,” said Yunyi Li, head steward of the union at UCLA. “Mr. Boyd is a gifted academic and teacher who has earned three degrees and served in the Jamaican national government. He brings an enormous amount of perspective to UC – and we will not stand by as UC administrators devalue him and put his health at risk. He deserves to be fairly compensated and we will fight to make sure that happens.” Despite a resolution, UCLA has yet to rehire Boyd in any way, shape, or form, which only compounds his financial stress.
UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block released a statement on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the day before Veterans Day, acknowledging efforts made to support UCLA veterans: “Earlier this year, UCLA was ranked the No. 1 public institution in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of best colleges for veterans… UCLA’s veterans selflessly volunteered to serve our nation and its people, and we must repay them by ensuring our community remains accommodating of their needs, committed to understanding the complexity of military service, appreciative of the knowledge and experiences they bring to campus, and eager to assist them in the transition to civilian life. On Veterans Day, we humbly acknowledge that we can never serve our veterans in quite the same way that they served us, but it remains our duty to try.”
UCLA has released numerous statements about their support of veteran students, but how does this demonstrate their support if they are willing to leave this student without health care or a job? This only goes to show that administration is more show than substance.
Your kind support of Hughlin Boyd is welcomed and appreciated. With your help, your financial assistance can get him to his end goal in June.