About the Commission
UC Berkeley is both bound by and strongly believes in constitutional protections regarding the freedom of expression. The campus also has an “obligation to maintain conditions under which the work of the University can go forward freely,” as stated in the introduction to the Berkeley Campus Regulations Implementing University Policies. Recent experience has shown that major events hosted by non-departmental users may place those values in conflict.
Throughout the fall of 2017 and spring of 2018, the Commission on Free Speech analyzed events featuring external speakers in order to recommend changes in policy that preserve the campus’s firm commitment to free expression while reducing the likelihood that such expression will disrupt the university’s mission of education, research, and public service. The commission also considered how UC Berkeley might best align its responsibility for protecting free speech with its values as a community.
The commission issued its final report in April of 2018.
Learn more about the commission, its purpose, and its goals in the Commission on Free Speech charge letter.
Contact the Commission
While the Commission on Free Speech's analysis process included hearings with student leaders, staff, faculty, alumni, and others, we continue to be eager to hear input from all members of the UC Berkeley community on this subject.
To pose a question, submit a recommendation, or provide feedback to the commission, please write to ucbpolicy@berkeley.edu.