Dear UC Riverside Community,

As we begin the new academic year, I want to reaffirm our principles of community and ensure that all UCR students and employees understand both the rights and the responsibilities of free expression in the campus context. 

This year we expect active discourse on a broad range of issues impacting our communities, nation, and world. Freedom of speech and the right to engage in nonviolent demonstrations are bedrock principles throughout the University of California. In keeping with that tradition, there are many avenues for students, faculty, and staff to advocate for their views including organizing or joining peaceful demonstrations, participating in on-campus forums and debates, and engaging with student, faculty, and staff organizations and committees. We actively encourage members to make your voices heard on issues that matter to you.

To ensure that everyone at UCR can express their perspectives while engaging fully in their learning, teaching, work, and research, the university must also take action to protect our community from harassment or threats, impediments to access to classrooms and other buildings, and from violence of any kind. As a crucial space for dialogue, debate and discourse, we must comply with UC, state, and federal policies that protect the rights of expressive activity, provide safeguards for state and federally protected identities, and ensure safe and timely access to our campuses for all.

The California Legislature requires the University of California system to maintain consistency of implementation and enforcement of these policies. I believe this requirement reinforces our principles of community and values and encourages a healthy, thriving campus climate for all members of our UC community. 

This website provides detailed information on policies, procedures, and enforcement consistent with the state’s requirements and our own values. 

We look forward to a productive, vibrant, and welcoming year on our campus.