Dear Dr. Baron and Dr. Newhall,
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your June 29 letter. The University strongly disagrees with the allegations in the complaint, and I personally have great empathy for the other individuals named in the lawsuit.
As I have stated unequivocally many times, I remain committed to providing a space in which diverse ideas and opinions can be exchanged, and an environment where academic freedom is defended and upheld. The University is also committed to supporting the first amendment rights of all members of campus community, including Dr. Abdulhadi.
To that end, actions completed or underway include:
Training for staff, new students, student groups, University Police and others across the University.
Implementation of a five-point protocol for managing protests and disruptions to assure the exercise of protected free speech for all.
Creation of a President’s Task Force on Campus Climate.
Creation of a new senior position to ensure student protections, the Assistant Vice President for Equity and Community Inclusion.
Update to the campus free speech policy to, among other things, include a new section addressing handbill posting requirements on campus by both internal and external groups.
Development of a series of community conversations led by faculty to foster dialogue and explore issues of campus climate.
Adoption of a Principles of Community statement, grounded in the University’s strategic plan, that includes a clear and public statement of principles against intolerance.
I sincerely invite the members of our community to join me in these substantive and proactive measures.
Sincerely,
Les Wong
President