Moreover, this academic community, if it is to support our broader ideals, must also be just. There is no definitive theory of justice. The differences in these theories are to be respected. However, among all democratic theories of justice, the principles of equality and liberty are basic. These principles are no less central to a free university.
Equality is a necessary part of any university that claims to be a democratic institution.
Distinctions based on irrelevant differences are ruled out. Ascriptive characteristics such as race, religion, gender, class, disability, ethnic background, or sexual preference, determine neither the value of individuals nor the legitimacy of their views. Only the merit of the individual as a participant in the life of the academic community is worthy of consideration. Bigotry in any form is antithetical to the University's ideals on intellectual political, and moral grounds and must be challenged and rejected. Liberty is an equally precious academic principle because the free expression of ideas is the central part of university life.