06/20/2018
[Image Description]:
"June 20, 2018
Dear Art For Social Change community,
Berkeley, CA - We, the 2017-2018 student leaders of Art For Social Change (AFSC) at UC Berkeley, are writing this statement in regards to our decision to cease collaboration and affiliation with Bay Area artist, Jon-Paul Bail (otherwise known as Political Gridlock).
AFSC was founded in 2012 with the intention of promoting political awareness and civic engagement through access to artmaking, mentorship, and critical dialogue. Our Mission is to create an inclusive community that empowers students to use printmaking for social justice and action. However, we realize that this space has not been safe for all community members. Allegations of sexual misconduct committed by AFSC Mentor, Jon-Paul Bail, were recently brought to our attention. In order to uphold our organization’s values and ensure the safety of all community members, we will no longer associate with Jon-Paul Bail, the Political Gridlock founder. We understand this decision will potentially affect our print production and professional connections. We choose to take responsibility for our presence in the community, believe the victims, and condemn all forms of violence.
We acknowledge the pain of those who have been affected and invite community members to contact us for additional support and resources. As an organization firmly rooted in our mission and the potential of art for social justice, we will do everything in our capacity to ensure that this incident will be the last. We thank you for your patience during this transition and hope to soon continue serving our communities with powerful, creative, and critical student artwork.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for further questions, comments, or concerns.
Sincerely,
Art For Social Change
[email protected]
Dulce María López González
Tony Morales
Mary Tan"
--Community Resources--
- Bay Area Women Against R**e
(in-person counseling and accompaniment; confidential and free)
24-hour R**e - Crisis Hotline: 510-845-7273 https://www.bawar.org
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center Call toll-free: 877-739-3895, http://www.nsvrc.org/
--UC Berkeley Resources--
- Counseling and Psychological Services at the Tang Center https://uhs.berkeley.edu/counseling
- PATH to Care Center
For 24/7 urgent support: 510-643-2005
(Confidential advocates to explore options, rights, and resources) http://sa.berkeley.edu/dean/confidential-care-advocate
- Survivor Support at UC Berkeley
(info on campus resources) http://survivorsupport.berkeley.edu/
(infographic version)http://survivorsupport.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/12052016%20Survivor%20Support%20Handout.pdf