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The University of California has long stood as a beacon of free speech and expression, a legacy rooted in the historic Free Speech Movement that began on our very campuses. It is with deep concern that we, the students, faculty, and staff of the University of California, witness an unsettling shift in policies that threaten to undermine this foundational right.
The recent communication from President Michael V. Drake, while ostensibly promoting safety and inclusivity, includes troubling language that suggests a narrowing of the spaces and opportunities where free expression can occur. Specifically, the emphasis on “clarifying and reinforcing requirements for policies impacting expressive activities” raises alarms about the potential for these policies to be used to stifle lawful protests and dissent. The mention of policies that prohibit “unauthorized structures,” “restrictions on free movement,” and “masking to conceal identity” further signals a move toward restricting the very freedoms that are essential to a vibrant campus environment.
The University of California was once the gold standard for free speech in this country, setting an example that other institutions aspired to follow. Now, with the introduction of vague and potentially oppressive policies, we risk losing that legacy. The idea that “consistent application of policies” can be used to “balance free speech rights” against the need to protect safety is a dangerous precedent that could easily tip in favor of censorship rather than freedom.
We, the undersigned, demand that the University of California reject any intent to limit the freedom of speech as outlined in the recent communication. We call on President Drake to ensure that the UC system remains a stronghold of free expression, without imposing new restrictions that could undermine this fundamental right. The University should not move forward with any policies that would limit the ability of students, faculty, and staff to freely express their viewpoints.
President Drake, we urge you to reject the intent of this email and stand firmly against any measures that would curtail free speech. Protect the legacy of the University of California by ensuring that the right to free expression remains unimpeded.
The University of California has long been a symbol of free speech and expression, a legacy that began with the historic Free Speech Movement on our campuses. Today, we, the students, faculty, and staff of the University of California, are deeply concerned by recent shifts in policy that threaten to erode this fundamental right. In a recent communication, President Michael V. Drake emphasized the need for "clarifying and reinforcing requirements" that impact expressive activities on campus. Of particular concern is the mention of policies requiring individuals to reveal their identity when asked by University personnel. This “stop and identify” policy raises serious questions about the potential for intimidation and the chilling effect it could have on free expression. The freedom to speak out, protest, and express dissent without fear of reprisal is a cornerstone of academic life and must not be compromised. California has always been a leader in protecting free speech, and the University of California has set the standard for other institutions to follow. The introduction of policies that may compel individuals to disclose their identity in the midst of lawful protest or expression risks turning our campuses into environments of fear rather than open discourse. Such policies could be misused to silence dissenting voices and restrict the very freedoms that make our university great. We, the undersigned, demand that the University of California reject any intent to limit the freedom of speech and expression. Specifically, we call on President Drake to reject any policies that would impose “stop and identify” measures or other restrictions that could undermine the free exchange of ideas. The UC system must remain a place where free expression is protected, not policed. President Drake, we urge you to reject the intent of this email and ensure that the University of California continues to uphold its legacy as a bastion of free speech. Protect our right to express ourselves freely without unnecessary interference or intimidation.