Freedom of thought, inquiry, and scholarly and artistic expression is fundamental and essential to the maintenance of the academic community. In all of its actions, the university shall act to uphold this principle and to create an environment totally conducive to the unfettered exploration of ideas, pursuit of knowledge, and scholarly and artistic expression.

9.2 Equality of Treatment

The university shall afford to all members of its community fair, impartial, and equal treatment regardless of sex, race, national origin, marital status, age, color, political views or affiliation, religious views or affiliation, sexual orientation, handicapped status, or other factor unrelated to their scholarly or professional performance. The university may make specific provisions to promote affirmative action.

9.3 Due Process

The university shall establish orderly procedures to insure fairness in its treatment of individual members of the community, and to insure the protection of the rights and welfare of both the individual members of the community and of the university itself.

9.4 Procedures

Procedures for the protection of the above rights shall be set forth in the bylaws.