Article 2—General Policies and Regulations

Part 3. Registered Organizations and Organization Fund

§ 2-302 Preamble

(a) The commitment of the University to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from invidious discrimination in all its forms, whether or not specifically prohibited by law.

(b) It is the policy of the University that registered organizations shall be in full compliance with all federal and state nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws, orders, and regulations. Registered organizations shall not practice discrimination against a member or prospective member on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era, except as specifically exempted by law. Solely for the purpose of determining whether a registered organization has violated the policy stated in this subsection, the official name of a registered organization, in and of itself, shall not be construed or interpreted as denying open membership or prohibiting participation in any program or activity. Each registered organization must sign the Pledge of Nondiscrimination when applying for registered organization status.

(c) Benefits provided by the University to registered organizations include, but are not limited to, (1) a regular use of University facilities (buildings, grounds, services); (2) fund-raising privileges; (3) use of the Organization Fund; (4) use of the services of Office Supply.

(d) Inquiries on registered organizations or this policy should be directed to the Office of Registered Organizations, 280 Illini Union.

(e) Extracurricular activities at the University are an integral element of its intellectual and educational purpose. To the extent possible, the University should provide encouragement and support to these activities by extending to them such services and facilities as are possible. A well-rounded extracurricular program supported by the University should create an environment in which students may take full advantage of their educational opportunities.

(f) University services available to registered organizations are too numerous and diverse to list in this Code. For information concerning these campuswide services, procedures for reserving space, interpretation of regulations governing registered organizations, and supportive resources that can be utilized for organizational projects, call 333-1153 or visit the Office of Registered Organizations, 280 Illini Union. Reservations offices may develop policies and practices regarding the use of University facilities for registered organizations, and questions regarding the use of University facilities may be directed towards the appropriate reservations offices.

(g) Voluntary organizations of students, faculty, and staff are an essential part of a University community. They provide an extension of the educational activities of the University beyond the curricular program. The existence of a diverse group of such organizations is in the best interest of the University and its students. Provision for registered organization status and its attendant privileges is made to encourage and facilitate the formation and operation of such organizations.