TO: Faculty, Staff, and Students

A core attribute of a major research university is the rich exchange of a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and opinions. At the University of California, Riverside, our students, faculty, staff, and guests represent myriad personal experiences and values that grow out of both differences and often unrecognized similarities in culture, background, and outlooks. Such differences may include race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, language, physical abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geographic region, and more. We pride ourselves on this diversity, and we are all richer for it.

As members of the UCR community, we are constantly learning and expanding our vistas as we learn in the classroom, chat in the coffee shop, debate on panels, challenge traditional assumptions, and engage in the exploration of new ideas and the world around us. We learn as much from one another as we learn in formal instructional settings.

At times these discussions may grow intense, even contentious. But as we share our often disparate views, we must always maintain a welcoming environment of respect and civility. We are blessed in this nation to have the right – and privilege – of free speech. It is because of this wealth of opportunities for discourse that our students “live the promise” by emerging to become leaders in this increasingly diverse, complex, and often conflicted world.

With this right, however, comes responsibility. As we engage in free speech, we must do so in a way that is sensitive to other cultures and perspectives. The University of California, Riverside, stands for the values of openness, civility, and respectful dialogue. We seek always to provide a safe and welcoming environment that encourages intellectual growth and spirited discussion. And when necessary we must go further, denouncing words that incite or acts of incivility, violence, bigotry, discrimination, or intolerance.

Indeed, the University of California, Riverside, as a nationally prominent public university, is an important crucible for the open and vigorous exchange of ideas. Whether an idea is accepted by some or discredited and repugnant to most, discourse is critical to being able to inform ourselves and others about the truths, wonders and outrages of life – past, present and future. If we disallow the freedom of expression and the marketplace of ideas, we are all diminished in a way that will challenge the fabric of our society. To paraphrase a statement generally attributed to the French philosopher Voltaire, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

I remind you of the Principles of Community that were established for our campus. They articulate our responsibility to support and show consideration for one another. Please take a moment to review them at: http://chancellor.ucr.edu/documents/community.pdf. These principles continue to serve our campus well.

I have faith in the integrity and compassion of our students, faculty, and staff. I ask that you stand with me in making the University of California, Riverside, a shining example of an institution that encourages civil discourse, invites and values a wide range of views, and nurtures scholarly inquiry and creative thinking. Above all, I ask that you treat one another, our visitors, and our extended campus community with a deep and abiding respect.

Sincerely,

Timothy P. White
Chancellor

- Originally issued May 15, 2009