Academic Freedom
The Academic Senate has adopted the following definition of Academic Freedom:
Academic Freedom, as outlined in BP 4030, is the freedom of both non-instructional and instructional faculty at Shasta College to teach, research, present, publish, or discuss issues in their academic field without interference from the institution, political figures, boards of trustees, donors, other employees, or any other entity. Academic freedom also protects the right of a faculty member to speak freely when participating in institutional governance.
When faculty speak or write as authorities of their discipline, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline. This freedom carries with it a professional responsibility to make an effort to be accurate, current, and respectful of the ideas of fellow professionals in that field of expertise. (Adopted March 27, 2023)
Academic Freedom is valued at Shasta College, so much so that an entire Board Policy (BP 4030) is devoted to it. It is important for faculty to distinguish between Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech.
- This graphic provides a good overview of where these overlap and where they differ: Academic Freedom vs. Free Speech: What’s the Difference? (oah.org)
- Inside Higher Ed also provides a good overview of the subject: Defining Academic Freedom (insidehighered.com)
- Academic Freedom applies to students as well as to faculty and staff. This article provides an overview of how Academic Freedom pertains to student speech in a classroom environment: Academic Freedom of Students and Professors, and Political Discrimination (aaup.org)
Resources
- 1940 AAUP Statement on Principles of Academic Freedom (aaup.org)
- Protected by Academic Freedom, by Freedom of Expression, or Not Protected (scholarsatrisk.org)
- ASCCC article: Protecting the Future of Academic Freedom During a Time of Significant Change (asccc.org)
- Academic Freedom Guidelines and Best Practices from the Organization of American Historians (oah.org)