Principles of Community

Be it resolved that LAUC supports the premise that the University of California is first and foremost an institution of learning and teaching, committed to serving the needs of society. Our campus communities reflect and are a part of a society comprising all races, creeds, and social circumstances. The successful conduct of the University's affairs requires that every member of the University community acknowledge and practice the following principles:

We affirm the dignity inherent in all of us, and we strive to maintain a climate of justice marked by respect for each other. We acknowledge that our society carries within it historical and deep-rooted misunderstandings and biases, and therefore we will endeavor to foster mutual understanding among the many parts of our whole.

We affirm the right of freedom of expression within our community and also confirm our commitment to the highest standards of civility and decency towards all. We recognize the right of every individual to think and speak as dictated by personal belief, to express any idea, and to disagree with or counter another's point of view, limited only by University regulations governing time, place, and manner. We promote open expression of our individuality and our diversity within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity and respect.

We confront and reject all manifestations of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, or any of the other differences among people which have been excuses for misunderstandings, dissensions, or hatred. We recognize and cherish the richness contributed to our lives by our diversity. We take pride in our various achievements and we celebrate our differences.

We recognize that each of us has an obligation to the community of which we have chose to be part. We shall strive to build a true community of spirit and purpose based on mutual respect and caring.

Adopted by the Librarians Association of the University of California (LAUC) Assembly, November 8, 1996.