Rights and Grievances
At the University of California, students, staff and faculty have constitutionally protected rights of free expression, speech, assembly and worship, as well as rights to due process and equal protection.
Discrimination is an illegal or prohibited adverse employment or educational action or harassment based on race, color, national origin (including caste or perceived caste), religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship or service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans.
Harassment is verbal or physical conduct that unreasonably interferes with a person's work or education or creates a hostile or offensive working or educational environment, when that conduct is based on race, color, national origin (including caste or perceived caste), religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans.
The Harassment and Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program (HDAPP) supports UC Davis' commitment to a discrimination-free work and learning environment. To maintain your privacy and confidentiality, use the anonymous call line to discuss specific concerns related to harassment and discrimination:
- 530-747-3864 (General Call Line: Davis, Health and ANR)
- 530-747-3865 (Anonymous Call Line: Davis, Health and ANR)
Students, staff and faculty who believe they have experienced or witnessed an act of discrimination or harassment may initiate a report online to bring their concerns to the university's attention so the incident may be addressed appropriately.
Students may also contact the Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs (OSSJA) provides advice and assistance to students for answering questions and resolving concerns about their rights, as well as informal and formal grievance procedures. If you have questions about your rights, you may contact OSSJA at OSSJA@ucdavis.edu.
When Does Speech Become Harassment?
Harassment is defined by policy as conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it unreasonably denies, adversely limits, or interferes with a person’s participation in or benefit from the education, employment or other programs or activities of the University, and creates an environment that a reasonable person would find to be intimidating or offensive when based on the categories identified above. Students, staff or faculty who encounter harassment are encouraged to report it to the Harassment and Discrimination Assistance Program.
Report Hate and Bias
As reflected in our Principles of Community, we at UC Davis are committed to confronting and rejecting "all manifestations of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, status within or outside the university, or any of the other differences among people which have been excuses for misunderstanding, dissension or hatred." Accordingly, UC Davis strives to maintain an inclusive and diverse work and learning environment free of hate and bias.
If you believe you have experienced or witnessed an act of hate or bias, report it so the university can follow up appropriately. The university keeps track of these reports and uses them to inform the campus community on climate issues of concern.