Balancing support for freedom of expression while maintaining community standards means finding a way to let people share their ideas and opinions freely, while also upholding the rules of UC Merced. Here’s how you can think about it:
- Support for Freedom of Expression: Every member of our campus community should be able to share their thoughts and opinions without fear of punishment, as long as their expressions are respectful and do not harass, discriminate against, or physically harm others. This means includes encouraging open discussion and listening to different viewpoints, which is an important part of the UC Merced experience.
- Setting Boundaries: Even though we support free expression, there are limits. For example, actions that harass, discriminate against, or physically hurt others or that prevent the University from conducting business will have consequences. This ensures that freedom of expression doesn’t come at the expense of someone else’s safety or rights.
- Clear Rules: It is important to have clear guidelines about what kinds of actions are acceptable. These rules are outlined in our Policy on Expressive Activities and Protest, and the Student Code of Conduct explains what happens if someone crosses the line violates this policy. There is a balance between expressing ourselves and respecting others.
- Educate and Encourage Respect: UC Merced encourages a culture of dialogue, understanding, and civility. Therefore, we aim to educate our campus community on our policies so that individuals can make informed choices about how they express themselves.
By supporting freedom of expression and setting clear policies, boundaries, and consequences for harmful actions, we create an environment where people can share their ideas openly while also ensuring that everyone’s rights and safety are protected.
If you feel your rights or safety have been violated, please know there are resources on campus to assist you:
- Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination: To file a report of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual violence (including dating/domestic violence and stalking), please see: https://ophd.ucmerced.edu/report.
- Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities: To report a potential violation of the Code of Student Conduct, please use the Information and Incident Report Form here: https://osrr.ucmerced.edu/form/information-incident-report
- UC Merced Police Department: To report a possible crime (non-emergency), please see: https://police.ucmerced.edu/form/make-report-online or in cases of emergency, please call (209) 228-2677 (CAT-COPS).
Policies
- California Budget Act of 2024 (SB 108)
- UC Merced Expressive Activities and Assembly Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- UC Merced Student Code of Conduct
Infractions of the Expressive Activities and Assembly: Protests, Demonstrations, Non-University Speakers and Signage on Campus and in University Facilities Policy may also be violations of the following policies:
- For students who are academic appointees, click here for information.
- Consequences of engaging in Prohibited Conduct are governed by the Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline (PACAOS 100).
Resources
- Counseling & Psychological Services for mental and trauma support
- Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence
- UC Merced Police Department
- Bargaining Units and Contracts
- UC Merced Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- CAPS provides free and confidential counseling services as well as crisis intervention for all registered UC Merced students (undergraduate and graduate). Located in the UC Merced H. Rajender Reddy Health Center.
- Phone: 209-228-4266 (after hours, press 1 after the prompt)
- Email: counseling@ucmerced.edu
