The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on Anti-Discrimination. The proposed policy covers discrimination, harassment and retaliation by and against members of the university community on university property or in connection with university-sponsored activities.

The proposed policy includes the following key provisions:

• The proposed policy affirms the University of California's commitment to creating and maintaining a healthy working and learning environment in an inclusive environment free of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
• The proposed policy defines harassment and discrimination as well as lists the protected categories protected by federal and state law.
• The proposed policy prohibits retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination and/or harassment, assists someone with a report of discrimination and/or harassment, or participates in an investigation or other process under the policy.
• The proposed policy addresses free speech and academic freedom. The proposed policy is intended to protect members of the university community from discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation, not to regulate protected speech. The proposed policy recognizes that freedom of speech, freedom of expression and academic freedom are essential to the mission of the university. However, freedom of speech and academic freedom are not limitless and do not protect speech or expressive conduct that violates federal or state anti-discrimination laws.

The draft policy is posted on UCnet, and can also be viewed at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/PCPA/Revisions/

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than April 19, 2023. Please indicate “Anti-Discrimination Policy” in the subject line.