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Academic Freedom

Section:300
Section Title:Academic Affairs
Policy Number:317
Policy Name:Academic Freedom
Approval Authority:Board of Trustees
Responsible Executive:Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Responsible Unit:Academic Affairs
Date Adopted:July 7, 1976
Date Revised:June 7, 1995

Policy

Policy

Academic freedom is essential to the full search for truth and its free exposition. It applies to both teaching and research, and shall not be abridged or abused.

  1. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic freedom in teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the teacher in teaching and of the student to freedom in learning. It carries with it responsibilities correlative with rights.
    1. Employees are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of results.
    2. An employee is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his or her subject.
    3. Faculty members are citizens and members of a learned profession. When a faculty member speaks or writes as a citizen, he or she is free from institutional censorship or discipline, but should not represent himself/herself as a spokesperson for the institution.
  2. Closely related to the matter of academic freedom is meaningful and systematic involvement of faculty in the governance of the college. Academic freedom does not relieve the employee of those duties and obligations which are inherent in the employer-employee relationship.

Reason for Policy

Sets forth policy regarding the ability of faculty to teach and engage in research without regard to prejudice.

To Whom Does the Policy Apply

Faculty

Related Documents

AFT Contract

Contacts

Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs