TO ALL UC REGENTS
We are current students of the University of California, Davis. I am writing to let you know that I am deeply disappointed and deeply opposed to the UC Regents vote to invest billions of retirement funds into notorious corporate landlords like Blackstone. Blackstone is adding to the national housing crisis by pushing low-income tenants out of their homes and worsening the homelessness crisis in California.
We know that as a public institution, the 3rd largest employer, and the largest landlord in the state, the University of California not only has a duty to be an ethical investor but also a responsibility to make plans and investments that will support solutions to the affordable housing crisis.
I am writing to demand that UC Regents immediately:
Divest $7 billion from Blackstone
Invest $7 billion in truly affordable, social housing, including housing on UC land
Commit to Responsible Landlord Standards, including:
Freeze annual rent increases
End “no fault” evictions
Maintain safe and healthy properties
Give AFSCME 3299 the fair contract that they deserve!