AR 4030: Academic Freedom

In support of BP 4030 Academic Freedom, college procedures related to academic freedom will be consistent with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure (https://www.aaup.org/our-work/protecting-academic-freedom)         

Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic freedom in its teaching aspect 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 duties correlative with rights.

  • 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 and must be consistent with college policies and procedures related to Ethics and Conflict of Interest.
  • Teachers 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 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 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.

Adopted:        6/18/24

References:

NWCCU Standards 2.B.1, 2.B.2

OAR 589-008-0100(f)