Freedom from Discrimination, Freedom to Learn in Safety

November 13, 2023

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,

We are a proudly diverse campus community whose many voices, views, and walks of life are all united in our commitment to maintain a culture of freedom from discrimination and bias, and freedom to learn, live, and work in safety and mutual respect.

I write to remind us all of that commitment, and to share resources that will help each of us uphold the values that make us stronger together.

We are committed to a campus in which all community members are free from bias, discrimination, and harassment.

Rutgers–New Brunswick reminds students to make use of our Bias Incident Reporting and Response resources, and directs all community members to our Discrimination and Harassment Complaint resources, if they become aware of incidents of bias or discrimination. We will continue to vigorously enforce the Rutgers University Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment. 

We are committed to maintaining campus spaces that allow students to freely express themselves while treating each other with respect.

This commitment is spelled out in our Student Organization Guidelines for Free Expression on Campus.

We are committed to creating a classroom environment that facilitates an open and respectful exchange of ideas.

This commitment is reflected in our Policy on Academic Freedom, in President Holloway’s message on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech, and in our faculty’s commitment to facilitating discussions that are free, open, and respectful.

In support of this commitment, the Office of the Provost on November 27 will hold Resources for Teaching and Student Support, an online panel discussion for faculty; learn more here.

Additionally, the Office of the Provost will convene an On Speech webinar series; details will be forthcoming.

We are committed to promoting the mental health and well-being of our campus community.

Rutgers University offers important emotional and mental health resources for students and employees.

Additionally, as part of our commitment to well-being, the Office of the Chancellor is supporting the creation of the Rutgers Peace Garden, a space in which members of our community will come together to cultivate healing, belonging, and understanding. This effort will involve collaboration between Rutgers Gardens, the Division of Student Affairs, Mason Gross School of the Arts, and the student organization Peace is Possible. The Peace Garden initiative is in its early stages and will invite input from members of our campus community. Learn more here.

We are committed to the physical safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

The Rutgers University Police Department continues to closely monitor social media, actively respond to concerns, and coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.

As I noted in my November 3 message, Promoting the Safety of Our Community, Rutgers has increased RUPD patrol and security units, especially in connection with affiliated religious and cultural spaces and activities. Additionally, the RUPD is informed of planned public gatherings on campus to ensure sufficient personnel and security are available to support a safe environment.

You can contribute to your own and our community’s safety by familiarizing yourself with the RUPD’s community education resources.

Resources in addition to those mentioned above, as well as information on campus initiatives in response to the war, can be found on the new Caring for Our Community website.

Rutgers–New Brunswick celebrates a diverse campus culture in which all individuals are entitled to express their views within a climate of safety, mutual respect, and a free and vigorous exchange of ideas. I am grateful to all students, faculty, and staff who share this commitment, which is vital to our mission to uphold the public good through excellence in education, scholarship, and service.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick