Academic Freedom
The current contract CCRIFA Faculty Union Contract 2018–2021 contains the following statement pertaining to Academic Freedom:
"Academic Freedom" is essential to the College and its faculty and applies to both teaching and research. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic Freedom in its teaching aspects is fundamental to the protection of the rights of the teacher in teaching and to the students for freedom of learning. It carries with it duties correlative with rights. The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing her/his subject." (ARTICLE III RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS)
In summary, the concept of "Academic Freedom" is complex. It embodies the right to pursue new knowledge through research and publications, and the freedom in the classroom to discuss those topics in which faculty are professionally qualified as determined by their credentials.
The exercise of "Academic Freedom" carries with it the correlate responsibilities for presenting information accurately, restricting the controversial information to the subject matter under discussion, and exercising sound judgment in guarding against distortions and inaccuracies.
Another valuable resource to learn more about the rights and responsibilities is the American Association of University Professors.
Visit the organization's website at: