A Academic Freedom. 17.A.1 The common good of society depends upon the search for truth and its free exposition. Academic freedom in the University in teaching, research and the dissemination of knowledge is essential to these purposes. The academic librarian is, therefore, entitled to freedom in carrying out research and in publishing the results thereof, freedom in carrying out teaching and in discussing his/her subject, freedom in exercising professional judgement in the acquisition and selection of materials, and in ensuring that these materials are freely accessible to all, and freedom from institutional censorship. Academic freedom carries with it the responsibility to use that freedom in a manner consistent with the scholarly obligation to base research, teaching and the collection, dissemination and structure of knowledge in a search for truth.
A Academic Freedom. All employees shall enjoy the right to pursue academic study and investigation free from interference and restraint. Employees shall be free to present instructional materials and to interpret facts and ideas concerning human society, the physical and biological world and other branches of learning within the planned instructional program and course of study as determined by the District’s policy and administrative procedures, OSPI or the State Board of Education. Employees shall present controversial issues in an objective manner without interjecting their personal opinions on controversial or political issues. When presenting instructional materials, and interpreting facts and ideas, employees should encourage students to make their own judgments based upon all of the facts bearing on the issue and without the interjection of the personal opinions of the employees. The Parties encourage parents and others to visit district classrooms. Such visitors must have the approval of the principal prior to entering the classroom. The principal shall discuss the visit with the affected employee prior to allowing the visit. The Parties agree that the District’s schools are not the appropriate forum for the expression of personal, religious or political views or for the militant advocacy of any particular cause or point of view.
