Dear Bruin Community:
As a new academic year gets underway at UCLA, we want to share our quarterly reminder highlighting key policies and resources related to free expression, safety and community well-being. Our central aim is to ensure that UCLA is a place where Bruins of all backgrounds and identities feel safe, welcome, respected and able to participate fully in campus life.
Campus Events, Public Expression and Related Activities at UCLA
UCLA is deeply committed to freedom of expression, a principle that is fundamental to our academic mission. Freedom of expression is also a right: As a public university, UCLA is barred by the Constitution from restricting expression on the basis of viewpoint.
While the right to free speech is legally protected, it is not absolute, and the university has the duty to enforce Time, Place and Manner (TPM) policies and the nondiscrimination policies discussed below. These help prioritize safety, respect and well-being while upholding UCLA’s commitment to freedom of expression and an environment where all Bruins feel welcome and able to effectively learn, work and enjoy campus life. We encourage you to read through these policies carefully. Everyone is expected to follow them, and individuals who violate the policies may face legal penalties, student or staff disciplinary action and/or exclusion from campus.
Academic Freedom, Political Advocacy and Instruction
The principles of academic freedom protect freedom of inquiry and the kinds of research a person conducts, freedom of teaching, and freedom of expression and publication. These freedoms enable the university to advance knowledge. Please be aware of UC policies on academic freedom and political advocacy in the classroom, which do impose limits on using the classroom or one’s course for purposes of political advocacy.
UC Regents Policy 2301: Policy on Course Content states that no campus, no academic college, no department and no instructor may distort the instructional process in a manner which deviates from the responsibilities inherent in academic freedom: “Misuse of the classroom by, for example, allowing it to be used for political indoctrination, for purposes other than those for which the course was constituted, or for providing grades without commensurate and appropriate student achievement, constitutes misuse of the University as an institution.”
Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment
Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are strictly prohibited by law and university policy, including UC’s Anti-Discrimination Policy and Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy. Please also read the UCLA Notice of Nondiscrimination.
UCLA’s Civil Rights Office (CRO) has available resources and support for any member of the community who may have been affected by harassment, discrimination or retaliation, including sexual misconduct. Anyone who experiences, witnesses or has concerns or questions about conduct that may violate UC nondiscrimination policies should contact CRO. The office is here to help. Please also read these FAQs and download a printable flyer for your workspace, classroom or dorm.
Faculty and staff — including administrators, clinicians and other medical staff, coaches and student employees — who are Responsible Employees as defined by university policy are required to report incidents (including possible incidents) of conduct that may be prohibited by university nondiscrimination policies. Reporting is an essential tool to keeping the campus community safe.
In addition, every member of the UCLA community is encouraged to report potential issues and concerns and/or raise questions if they learn about something that might not be consistent with UCLA values. Read more about reporting options at UCLA Compliance. If you have any doubts about where to report concerns, report them to CRO for appropriate referral.
Safety and Well-Being Resources
We have a host of resources to help you stay safe, prepared and healthy at UCLA:
- Emergency Notifications – UCLA uses BruinALERT to notify students, staff and faculty of dangerous situations or significant emergencies that threaten the health or safety of the campus community or disrupt normal operations. These alerts are sent by SMS text and email. For important safety matters that may not rise to that level, the Office of Campus and Community Safety issues BruinADVISORY messages directly to your inbox to keep you informed and aware.
- Campus Safety Resources – Visit Bruins Safe Online for campus safety resources and services, including emergency information, personal safety tips and how to report a concerning behavior or safety issue. Download the Bruins Safe app to contact campus safety staff quickly, receive notifications and instructions if on-campus emergencies occur and more.
- Mental Health and Well-Being Resources – Students can find comprehensive resources on the Be Well Bruin website and free speech website, which also includes a host of resources for faculty and staff.
- Federal Updates for the UCLA Community – Stay current with guidance for faculty, students and staff on directives from the federal government on our federal updates site. You may also consult UC’s federal updates page.
Senate Bill 98
California Senate Bill 98 requires colleges and universities to notify students, faculty and staff when a federal immigration enforcement officer is present on campus and has taken immigration enforcement action. We have no indication or reports that immigration enforcement activities will occur on our campus. However, if UCLA becomes aware of qualifying activity under SB 98, the university will notify the campus community via email, as required by law. These notices help keep our community informed and aware of activity occurring on campus. Additional information, including campus resources, frequently asked questions, immigration enforcement information and a printable Know Your Rights Card, is available on UCLA’s federal updates site.
Thank you for taking the time to read through these important policies and resources. We look forward to a safe and productive quarter ahead.
Sincerely,
Darnell Hunt
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Michael J. Beck
Administrative Vice Chancellor
Monroe Gorden Jr.
Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Steve Lurie
Associate Vice Chancellor, Campus & Community Safety
Leora Freedman
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Civil Rights Office