Like all great public research universities, UC San Diego is home to diverse organizations, students, staff and faculty with a wide range of interests and points of view. We encourage open dialogue, the free exchange of scholarly ideas and thoughtful debate as both fundamental cornerstones of academic freedom and as part of our commitment to uphold the freedom of speech protected by the U.S. Constitution.
We take this obligation to uphold the First Amendment seriously, even when the viewpoints expressed may be offensive. We cannot censor voices or ban groups we disagree with. At the same time, all speakers on campus must comply with state and federal laws and with university policy. UC San Diego will vigorously defend academic freedom and the freedom of speech and will also enforce our policies and adhere to state and federal laws.
In accordance with our campus Principles of Community, it is also our collective responsibility to foster a safe and welcoming learning, living, working and patient care environment while promoting the principles of free expression and academic freedom. We expect all campus community members to treat each other with dignity and respect, and encourage civility in every exchange. We are committed to protecting the physical safety of all individuals in our community and upholding the rights of all students, faculty and staff to continue to work, study and carry out the academic mission of the university without undue disruption.
Resources and Support
We encourage you to learn more about your rights and responsibilities and the university policies related to free speech by visiting the UC San Diego Free Expression website. Faculty should also be aware of their rights and responsibilities in the classroom.
We know that navigating free speech can be challenging. If you are experiencing feelings of distress or anxiety, UC San Diego has a variety of resources to support you.
Thank You
We greatly appreciate your shared commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment that respects and supports all Tritons. Together, we can create a community where each of us feels empowered to use our voice while maintaining a climate of fairness, cooperation and professionalism.
