The campus has been front and center in 1995-96 during the debate over affirmative action programs. In response to that action, Chancellor Tien launched the Berkeley Pledge in fall 1995 to forge closer associations with K-12 education and to strengthen the academic pipeline. Campus diversity is a major ingredient in the energetic, exciting, innovative culture of Cal. The students add their own unique energies to this blend. Many issues related to campus atmosphere go beyond the classroom, and one is the improving statistics related to crime on campus.
Crime rates continue to drop.
Violent crime was down 20 percent in 1995, on the heels of an 18 percent decline the year before. The health of the Berkeley community is also of great importance, particularly the area in proximity to the campus. Last spring, the Berkeley City Council unanimously approved a new agreement on People's Park. The improvements in People's Park mirror improvements to the Telegraph Avenue area. This past year saw the completion of the Southside Revitalization Project in which the campus has joined with merchants and residents to clean-up the avenue, plant trees and host safety forums and special events including a jazz festival and street fairs.