FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2019

UFF-UF Urges Transparency in the Investigation of the Death of Huixiang Chen

Gainesville, FL – The University of Florida Chapter of United Faculty of Florida (UFF-UF) joins other members of the UF community in mourning the death, on 13 June 2019, of doctoral candidate and graduate assistant Huixiang Chen.

We commend the University of Florida for investigating allegations made by Chen around the time of his death regarding possible research misconduct. However, several other disturbing allegations were also made about unsafe working conditions and the poor treatment of international graduate employees.

As a labor organization concerned about the welfare of students and fellow employees at UF, we stand in solidarity with the UF chapter of Graduate Assistants United in urging that the university fully investigate all these allegations surrounding Chen’s untimely death and fully and transparently report on the proceedings and results of the investigation to the university community as a whole. We also join in insisting on a proactive investigation into the working conditions of international GAs at the university.

We urge anyone who is in need of immediate emotional support to contact the UF Counseling & Wellness Center, 352-392-1575; the Alachua County Crisis Center – 352-264-6789; or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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“University Statement Regarding Student’s Death” (link)