AA603 - Academic Freedom

Policy

Section: Academic Affairs

The Board affirms the rights and responsibilities of College instructors and administrators as defined by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) in its “Academic Freedom and Tenure” statement of 1940, which states:

Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
Teachers are are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.
College and university teachers are citizens, members of a learned profession, and an officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As an scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence, they should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.

https://www.aaup.org/report/1940-statement-principles-academic-freedom-and-tenure

Adopted: September 15, 1987
Reviewed: 2005, 2011, 2023

Revised:
January 10, 2000