This Date in UCSF History: The Bootstrap Myth

[Originally published in Synapse on December 4, 1996.] I remember the morning after Proposition 187 passed. Schools and health care facilities were to report people they suspected of being illegal immigrants.

December 2, 2025

Synapse

Campus

Politics

Two Chinese dissident students circa 1989.

This Date in UCSF History: Students Granted Political Asylum

October 24, 2023

Synapse

[First published in synapse on October 22, 1989] Two Chinese dissident students, Hoy Yu Vi, 27, and Luo Jian Guang...

Social Justice

This Date in UCSF History: Freedom From Fear

October 10, 2023

Synapse

Originally written on Oct. 4, 2001, by Suzanne Rafidi while a student in the School of Medicine. I am an...

This Date in UCSF History: Plaque Honors Human Rights Hero

October 3, 2023

Synapse

[ Originally published in Synapse on October 2, 1980.]

Social Justice

This Date in UCSF History: Medical Students Organize for Abortion Access

September 26, 2023

Synapse

[Originally published in Synapse on Sept. 23, 1999.] “Disgusting, isn’t it?” said one of the directors of the national office...

Social Justice

This Date in UCSF History: The Housing Crisis

September 19, 2023

Synapse

[Originally published in Synapse on Sept. 16, 1996.] Summer is supposed to be relaxing and free from stress. Quite the...

Student Life

This Date in UCSF History: Stay Healthy on a Student's Budget

September 12, 2023

Synapse

[Originally published on Sept. 13, 2007.] Student life is hard. Long hours and stressful exams can take a toll on...

Student Life

This Date in UCSF History: Fiery Med Grad Speech Highlights Failings

May 30, 2023

Synapse

[Originally published on June 5, 1980.] Speaking before faculty, jubilant graduates and proud families, Melanie Daumont criticized medical education for...

Social Justice