California Code, Government Code - GOV § 3561

(a) It is the further purpose of this chapter to provide orderly and clearly defined procedures for meeting and conferring and the resolution of impasses, and to define and prohibit certain practices that are inimical to the public interest.

(b) The Legislature recognizes that joint decisionmaking and consultation between administration and faculty or academic employees is the long-accepted manner of governing institutions of higher learning and is essential to the performance of the educational missions of these institutions, and declares that it is the purpose of this chapter to both preserve and encourage that process.  This chapter shall not be construed to restrict, limit, or prohibit the full exercise of the functions of the faculty in any shared governance mechanisms or practices, including the Academic Senate of the University of California and the divisions thereof, the Academic Senates of the California State University, and other faculty councils, with respect to policies on academic and professional matters affecting the California State University, the University of California, or the college named in Section 92200 of the Education Code.  The principle of peer review of appointment, promotion, retention, and tenure for academic employees shall be preserved.

(c) It is the policy of the State of California to encourage the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and learning through the free exchange of ideas among the faculty, students, and staff of the University of California, the college named in Section 92200 of the Education Code, and the California State University.  All parties subject to this chapter shall respect and endeavor to preserve academic freedom in the University of California, the college named in Section 92200 of the Education Code, and the California State University.