UAB supports academic freedom — as codified in the AAUP Statement and Comments on Academic Freedom and Tenure, UAB Faculty Handbook, UAB Code of Conduct, and Freedom of Expression and Use of UAB Facilities Policy — and compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and policies, including those related to anti-discrimination.

Faculty have freedom to pursue the research questions or topics where their disciplines, data and professional expertise guide them. This includes research questions and topics focused on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity and national origin. Faculty cannot, however, discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin.

Among others:

• Sickle cell research in non-Hispanic Black and African Americans
• Breast cancer research in women
• Pregnancy-related mortality in Black women
• Kidney disease in certain racial or sex demographics
• Sexually transmitted disease prevention efficacy in rural populations
• Educational or health outcomes based on racial or sex demographics
• Research on technology to assist individuals with disabilities

These represent just a few examples. Please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs with questions about your specific research project.

No. UAB cannot make rights, privileges, engagement with or access to education or employment opportunities offered by the institution based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity and national origin.

Yes. UAB cannot allow eligibility for positions, scholarships or participation in a service or training program to be based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin.

A privilege or benefit can be based on criteria such as GPA/test scores, rank (e.g., junior faculty), first-generation college student, lived in a rural area or graduated from an under-resourced high school, eligibility for Pell grants (e.g., students), or major or study/research interests.

No. UAB must comply with state and federal requirements and cannot agree to application or award terms or conditions that require it to apply discriminatory criteria or maintain DEI standards or programs that are defined as unlawful. The Office of Sponsored Programs can review funding announcements and requests for proposals and support faculty with guidance based on the circumstances.

No. Generic terms could allow for incorrect interpretations that could be perceived as discriminatory and imply noncompliance in intent or practice. In developing and conducting research and other activities, UAB faculty and staff are encouraged to be precise and avoid the use of undefined or otherwise imprecise terminology.

Stating that a sponsored program will bring together scientific experts from “multiple academic disciplines” is clearer and more precise than simply stating it will convene a “diverse group,” which could be misinterpreted as applying impermissible criteria.

Yes. Partnerships with colleges and universities remain permissible, including those like HBCUs and colleges for women or men that traditionally serve a particular population.

Yes, provided that the activity is compliant with applicable laws and regulations. However, UAB is unable to propose, conduct or implement research initiatives or programs funded by third-party organizations that require UAB to represent, certify, or agree to administer or advance DEI standards that are deemed unlawful. The Office of Sponsored Programs can provide advice and work with faculty and the third-party organization.

Specific facts and circumstances of a research project matter and must be considered in applying general parameters. Contact the Office of Sponsored Programs for assessment and guidance.

As part of its critical function within the university, OSP reviews requests for proposals, research proposals, progress reports and other documents prior to submission to sponsors. Where questions arise regarding a research or sponsored project related to researcher eligibility, anti-discrimination laws, terms and conditions, and evolving federal standards, OSP will immediately engage the principal investigator, appropriate unit leader(s) and administrative officials to apply this framework in the context of the specific submission and consider potential opportunities for greater alignment and success.

The PI can request a meeting with the Office of Research to discuss the issue, funding opportunity or grant application under review. The meeting can include the PI’s associate dean of Research, department chair, research mentor and/or a representative of the Faculty Senate. OSP will work with the PI to determine if clarifying the requirements with the funder or modifying aspects of the proposal could allow for submission in a lawful way. When possible, OSP will seek clarification or amendment from the sponsor so the grant can proceed. This collaborative approach aims to find permissible solutions — for instance, requesting that a sponsor allow adjustments to its criteria to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination standards.

Yes. Questions were informed by faculty who participated in discussions and offered direct feedback that informed this document.

For research-related questions, contact the Office of Research (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for support and guidance.