As members of a dynamic public institution of higher education and an academic medical center, the UAB and UAB Medicine community have a responsibility to be mindful about political speech and activity.
“One of the special things about UAB is that our 50,000-plus students, faculty and staff of widely different backgrounds and perspectives come together every day to better themselves and improve others’ lives,” said UAB President Ray Watts, who also serves as chair of the Health System Board. “The transformational results our collaborative learning and work culture deliver are too important to let differences of opinion get in our way, so I ask the UAB and UAB Medicine community to continue to promote civil discourse and maintain a respectful environment.”
Here are five things to keep in mind:
- Values and Codes: Our shared values (We CARE) are a reflection that members of our UAB community Collaborate, Act with integrity, Respect all, and Excel, and we are required to adhere to the Enterprise Code of Conduct and Student Conduct Code.
- Free Speech and Civil Discourse: As a public institution, UAB protects free speech and promotes civil discourse. Members of the campus community cannot impede others’ rights to free speech and assembly, and activity cannot disrupt activities of the institution (Freedom of Expression and Use of UAB Facilities Policy).
- Institutional Neutrality: UAB adheres to institutional neutrality codified by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.
- Our Responsibilities as Public Employees: UAB faculty and staff should feel comfortable fulfilling their civic responsibilities as private citizens. However — because UAB is a public entity — employees should:
- Avoid the appearance that their private, individual political views and activity represent the institution.
- Comply with ethical and legal requirements that govern interactions with public officials; employees do not represent the institution unless approval is granted.
- Comply with laws regarding the use of state resources, time and property for or on behalf of any political officeholder, cause, candidate, campaign or organization, or for any contribution or solicitation of any contribution to a political campaign or organization.
- Take Care: Political events can be stressful, so consider utilizing Employee or Student counseling services if you need them.
