Press about I-House

Free Speech and Expression at International House

December 4, 2024
In summary -- the data reveals that I-House Berkeley fosters a supportive environment for free speech, with a significant majority of residents feeling safe and comfortable expressing their views, even on controversial topics. I-House students demonstrate a strong commitment to respectful dialogue and civil discourse in stark contrast to national trends. 88% of I-House Berkeley students feel safe expressing their views. 94% are comfortable sharing controversial opinions with fellow residents. 83% feel comfortable expressing their views to other UC Berkeley students. 82% are comfortable discussing their viewpoints with professors. 91% of I-House respondents trust their leaders to protect free speech. 62% believe I-House does more to safeguard free speech than UC Berkeley. 80% disagree with shouting down speakers. 92% oppose blocking students from attending events. 97% are against using violence to protest. 64% will speak up even when they feel uneasy. 60% admit to self-censoring in other campus environments. 85% express confidence in the future of free speech at I-House. 88% of Students at Berkeley I-House Feel Safe Expressing Views, Defying National Free Speech Trend on College Campuses

I-House Admissions Update

January 13, 2021
As a unique residential and dining facility with a prime location and rich tradition of leadership development experiences, the purpose of I-House is to foster a more just and peaceful world through intercultural understanding and mutual respect.To ensure that our residents and staff are as safe as possible in light of the pandemic, we are updating all cleaning and sanitizing standards to the highest levels; reimagining virtual and in-person resident programming; implementing new dining safety standards; and planning for an all single room environment for the Fall 2021 semester.

2021-2022 Academic Year Application Now Open

March 3, 2021
Applications are open now! Visit ihouse.berkeley.edu/apply to secure a housing contract for the upcoming school year. Still have questions about living at I-House or what we're doing to ensure safety during the pandemic? Please see Frequently Asked Questions.

International House, Cal’s Pillar of Diversity, Celebrates 90 Years

March 20, 2020
“People learn so much from one another in this building,” Giesecke says. “You have people who are in political science learning from the electrical engineers, and you have people in gender studies learning from people in chemistry. It goes across cultures; it goes across departments.”