Dear UCSF Community,

UC President Michael V. Drake has issued a new Presidential Policy on Anti-Discrimination, effective February 20, 2024. This policy reflects a commitment to ensure equal and equitable access to University employment, programs, and activities for individuals of all backgrounds. As a proactive response to this work, President Drake announced last week the establishment of the University of California’s first Systemwide Office of Civil Rights.

The policy is the result of years of dedicated effort in response to recommendations by the systemwide working group charged with analyzing the University’s actions to complaints of harassment and discrimination. As co-chair of the group, I can attest to the meaningful time, thoughtful effort, and collaborative experience dedicated to creating this impactful work. I would like to thank UCSF faculty, staff, and students who submitted feedback and contributed to the development of the policy. These efforts reflect our steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at UCSF.  

The UC Anti-Discrimination Policy provides new definitions and procedures about how the University will respond to allegations of harassment and discrimination based on protected categories and will help strengthen UCSF’s commitment to fostering a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive University campus. The policy covers harassment, discrimination, and retaliation by and against all UCSF affiliates – students, trainees, staff, faculty, and patients – as well as third parties who participate in university programs or activities. 

The policy is intended to protect University community members from these harms, not to regulate speech. As noted by President Drake, “The Policy includes strong protections for freedom of speech and academic freedom, while recognizing that those are not limitless and, for example, do not protect speech or expressive conduct that violates federal or state anti-discrimination laws.”

The UCSF Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) has exclusive jurisdiction over the new policy on the UCSF campus. OPHD works closely with multiple campus partners to ensure fairness and neutrality in its procedures, and to implement effective measures or actions to stop, prevent, correct, or discipline behavior that violates this policy. Any complaints of harassment or discrimination can be reported to OPHD at [email protected].

We as an institution are committed to creating an environment that is welcoming to all and fosters a forum of equitable belonging. I encourage you all to review the new policy and efforts that uplift these values and missions systemwide. 

Sincerely,

Renée Navarro, PharmD, MD
Vice Chancellor
Chief Diversity and Outreach Officer
Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care