Principles and Policies

UCI is a multicultural community of people from diverse backgrounds. Our activities, programs, classes, workshops, lectures and everyday interactions are enriched by our acceptance of one another, and we strive to learn from each other in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect.

Our legacy for an increasingly multi-cultural academic community and for a learning climate free from expressions of bigotry is drawn from the United States and California Constitutions and from the charter of the university of California, which protects diversity and reaffirms our commitment to the protection of lawful free speech. Affirmation of that freedom is an effective way of ensuring that acts of bigotry and abusive behavior will not go unchallenged within the University. Tolerance, civility and mutual respect for diversity of background, gender, ethnicity, race and religion is as crucial within our campus community as is tolerance, civility and mutual respect for diversity of political beliefs, sexual orientation and physical abilities. Education, and a clear, rational and vigorous challenge are positive responses to prejudice and acts of bigotry.

The university’s nondiscrimination policy, in compliance with applicable federal and state law, covers treatment in university programs and activities as well as admission and employment. UCI expects all those affiliated with it to adhere to the letter and the spirit of university nondiscrimination policies and related federal and state laws. Allegations of physical abuse, threats of violence, or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person on university property or in connection with official university functions will be investigated promptly, and where found to exist, appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with university policy.

All who work, live, study and teach at UCI are here by choice and, as part of that choice, should be committed to these Principles of Community, which are an integral part of the guidelines by which the university community successfully conducts its affairs.

Policies and Procedures Protecting Free Speech

The university is governed by The Board of Regents, which under Article IX, Section 9 of the California Constitution has “full powers of organization and governance” subject only to very specific areas of legislative control. The article states that “the university shall be entirely independent of all political and sectarian influence and kept free therefrom in the appointment of its Regents and in the administration of its affairs.”