Freedom of Expression

Stanford is committed to freedom of expression, free inquiry, and the open exchange of ideas as fundamental values for the university’s academic mission. This website furnishes interim guidance on the application of freedom of expression principles in different contexts around campus. While the guidance is intended to provide greater clarity about current policies and procedures, some of these policies will continue to be evaluated by university administration as well as the Faculty Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee on University Speech, with input and consultation across our community.

Title VI Process

Stanford University is committed to maintaining an educational, working, and living environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. This website forms part of Stanford’s processes to maintain compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which provides that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

To be considered a violation of Title VI, unwelcome conduct must create a “hostile environment,” meaning it must be based upon an individual’s actual or perceived protected class (e.g., race, color, national origin, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) that, considering the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive, and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from a university education program or activity.

Navigating Conflict at Stanford

Navigating Conflict at Stanford provides a comprehensive online roadmap for you if you are navigating or reporting concerns and complaints. This resource is a collaborative effort led by a cross-community task force that, based on community input that members were often confused as to where to turn when considering various potential reporting options, identified a need for a centralized resource to help all members of our community find support, training, and reporting processes to help address concerns, conflicts, and disputes at Stanford.

The website is organized so students, faculty, staff, and postdoctoral scholars can easily find appropriate resources.

Office of IDEAL Advancement

The Office for IDEAL Advancement, a new office dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for the university community, was established on July 1, 2024 under the Vice Provost for Institutional Equity, Access and Community (VP-IEAC). The IDEAL Advancement team works with leaders and community members across the university to align efforts, lead and support initiatives,  provide subject matter expertise, and embed equity and inclusion in policies, programs and systems, while fostering a culture of belonging where everyone feels included. For more information, email ideal-advancement-helpme@stanford.edu. 

Stanford University Staff IDEAL Initiative

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in a Learning environment initiative, or IDEAL, sprang from the university's long-range vision. Learn more about IDEAL here. 

• IDEAL Dashboards These dashboards provide information on the demographics of Stanford community members, including benefits-eligible employees when clicking on the IDEAL Staff Dashboard. The data can be viewed by school or business unit or by job family. You can also view a breakdown by teaching staff, non-teaching staff, or Clinician Educators. You must be logged into Tableau in order to view the staff dashboard.
• Anti-racist Toolkit and Anti-racism Guide These resources support dialogue about racism within the Stanford staff community and engage and unite the community in actions that will advance racial justice. The toolkit is available for managers, while the guide is available for all Stanford staff.

Faculty Staff Help Center (FSHC)

The Stanford Faculty Staff Help Center offers a variety of services for the Stanford community, including confidential counseling, workshops, discussion groups, department consultations, facilitated conversations and meetings, and educational webinars. All services are free and confidential for staff. 

FSHC Resources: FSHC has compiled a variety of resources that may be of value to you, including noon time workshop recordings, work-related resources, and counseling support information for out-of-state Stanford-benefited employees. 

Learn more

Institutional Equity & Access

Our vision is to create a community in which we all thrive in an equitable, safe, caring, and just environment that supports diversity and promotes inclusion.

• Diversity and Access Office The Diversity and Access Office (D&A Office) ensures University-wide compliance with federal, state and local regulations concerning non-discrimination and disability access. To accomplish this mission, the office works collaboratively with vice presidents, deans, department chairs, administrative managers and human resources professionals who have direct responsibility for achieving the University's objectives.
• Stanford University Ombuds Office The Ombuds is a confidential resource available to all faculty, staff, postdocs, students or other members of the Stanford community. There is a separate Ombuds Office for the School of Medicine. 

Office of Digital Accessibility

Building on Stanford’s core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we explore accessible technology solutions that make it possible for everyone—including individuals with disabilities—to engage and participate in the research, education, and social mission of the university.

Stanford Report for Staff

News and information for the Stanford community.