                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

ESTABLISHMENT OF A BRANCH CAMPUS IN THE STATE OF QATAR (§ 23.1-2312)

A. In recognition that global educational opportunities benefit the intellectual
and economic interests of the Commonwealth, the board may establish, operate,
and govern a branch campus of the University in the State of Qatar. The board
has the same powers with respect to operation and governance of its branch
campus in Qatar as are vested in the board by law with respect to the
University. In operating such branch campus, the board shall provide appropriate
professional opportunities for Virginia-based faculty to teach or conduct
research on the Qatar campus and educational opportunities for Virginia-based
students to study or conduct research on the Qatar campus.

B. Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed a waiver of the sovereign
immunity of the Commonwealth or the University.

C. In its operation of any branch campus established in the State of Qatar, the
board and its employees shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and shall
not abridge the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and religion. Any
agreement that the board enters to establish, operate, or govern the branch
campus in Qatar shall contain contractual assurances to the board that the
branch campus shall operate without discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and
without abridging the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and religion.

HISTORY: 2002, c. 801, § 23-50.16:36; 2016, c. 588; 2020, c. 1137.