Independent thought and diversity of opinions are the essence of the university, and freedom of expression is necessary for the university to fulfill its mission of producing and disseminating knowledge. Without the ability of its members to freely hear, express, and debate different ideas and points of view, the university would lack the culture of free inquiry that lies at the foundation of the academic enterprise. In furtherance of this mission, the UC Davis Principles of Community aspire to create an environment committed to the highest standards of civility, respect, and decency.
—Preamble, UC Davis Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM) – Freedom of Expression - Section 400-01
UC Policies and Procedures Protecting Free Expression
UC and UC Davis Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM)
- 400-01: Freedom of Expression
- 270-20: Use and Reservation of University Properties/Event Arrangements
- 310-05 Leadership Public Statements
- 310-25: Distribution of Information and Literature
- 310-26: Distribution of Periodical Publications
- 310-27: Posting of Information
- Regents Policy on Public and Discretionary Statements by Academic Units
UC Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students (PACAOS)
Time, Place and Manner Restrictions
Consistent with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, time, place and manner regulations are reasonable limitations on when, where and how public speech or assembly may occur. In public forums such as the Quad, the university may not regulate the content of speech but has established time, place and manner regulations in the Freedom of Expression Policy (PPM 400-01). More details regarding the university time, place and manner restrictions are available on the Planning an Event or Demonstration page.
Policy on Public and Discretionary Statements by Academic Units
In July 2024, the Regents enacted a UC systemwide policy for schools and other academic departments and units that seek to address “public” or “discretionary” topics on their websites. Academic departments must address such topics on specially designated pages, not their homepage or landing page. Further, academic units publishing such content must develop protocols for posting and archiving statements and offer a disclaimer noting that departmental views should not be understood to reflect the views of the university.
Principles of Community
The Principles of Community are often confused as university policy, which they are not. They are a values statement that have guided UC Davis faculty, staff and students in creating a university culture that is committed to the highest standards of civility, respect and decency for all. Learn more about the Principles of Community, their purpose and how they intersect with free speech activity.
Policy FAQs
- What is Academic Freedom?
The principles of academic freedom protect freedom of inquiry and research, freedom of teaching and freedom of expression and publication. These freedoms enable the university to advance knowledge and to transmit it effectively to its students and to the public. The university also seeks to foster in its students a mature independence of mind, and this purpose cannot be achieved unless students and faculty are free within the classroom to express the widest range of viewpoints in accord with the standards of scholarly inquiry and professional ethics.
- How might free speech impact me as a student at UC Davis?
Attending a public university means that some of your most deeply held views may be challenged. Finding yourself challenged by faculty, fellow students and even outsiders is an integral component of the higher education experience.
Campus does not infringe on your personal free speech rights, and we cannot and should not shield you from ideas that you may not agree with or like. Being exposed to various perspectives can help strengthen and/or question your own values and beliefs, which is part of intellectual and personal growth.
In addition to your faculty, advisors and peers, campus offers a variety of resources to help students navigate free speech activity and engagement. If you believe your rights have been violated or that you have witnessed an act of hate, bias, discrimination or harassment, please visit the OSSJA Rights and Grievances webpage.
- Do employees have the same free speech rights in the workplace as they do as private citizens?
University employees (including staff and faculty, as well as student employees in the context of their employment) do not give up their free speech rights as citizens by virtue of being public employees. However, the university does have the right to restrict speech that affects the workplace.
Generally, there is a three-step test for determining whether an employee’s speech is protected. At step one, the employer asks whether the speech was made pursuant to an employee’s official duties. If the answer to this question is “yes,” then the employer has an interest in that speech and may regulate the speech. If the answer to this question is “no,” then the analysis proceeds to the second step.
At step two, the employer asks whether the speech was on a matter of public concern (e.g. wider political or social issues and not strictly a personal issue). If the answer is “no” (e.g., a personal workplace critique), then it is not protected speech. If the answer is “yes,” then the analysis moves to the third and final step.
At step three, there is a balancing of interests, weighing the interests of the employee in speaking against the employer’s interest in an efficient and effective workplace. If the employer’s interests outweigh the employee’s interests, then it is proper for the employer to act to protect its interests, including regulating the speech or disciplining the employee for disrupting those interests.
Speech related to academic scholarship or classroom instruction might implicate additional interests such as academic freedom, as outlined in the question above.
- How does policy address speech related to elections or politics?
UC Davis encourages all members of the campus community to exercise speech rights in their individual capacities. We welcome scholarly research and instruction on politics and political events or activities as long as they are consistent with university policy and state and federal laws.
Yet as a tax-exempt organization and state entity, the university is barred by UC policy from participating in political campaigns, and this extends to faculty and staff acting in their official capacities. This means that staff and faculty cannot state or suggest they are acting on behalf of the university when supporting or opposing ballot measures or candidates for office. Individuals may not use university time, resources or marks for political campaign activities; or state or suggest that their views represent the official views of the university.