UCSF Vows to Protect First Amendment Rights and Safety at UC Regents Meeting Monday

UCSF leaders are expressing support for the right of individuals to demonstrate  peacefully, while recommitting to the University’s responsibility to enhance the safety of students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors — and UCSF property.

Leadership’s comments follow recent disturbances at other UC campuses and the scheduling of a UC Regents meeting Monday via teleconference at four UC campuses, including at UCSF Mission Bay.

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jeffrey Bluestone, PhD, said that UCSF will abide by UC and campus protocols and policies to protect both the right of free expression and public assembly, as well as the safety and security of both people and University property.

Regents to Meet at UCSF Mission Bay

The Regents’ meeting is scheduled to be held via teleconference on Monday, Nov. 28, at UCSF, UC Davis, UC Merced and UCLA. The meeting, originally scheduled for Nov. 16, was postponed due to security concerns in the wake of violence at protests elsewhere in the Bay Area.

During Monday’s meeting, the Regents are scheduled to discuss a proposed expenditure budget for 2012-2013, which will be the basis for UC’s funding request to the state.  The Regents are not scheduled to discuss tuition increases.

The agenda for Monday will allow for an expanded public comment period — increased from the usual 20 minutes to one hour — in which students and members of the public may voice their concerns and address comments to the board. Items scheduled for discussion and action are posted on the UC Office of the President website.

To view statements by the UC Office of the President on policing and protests, please go here.