Common use of Academic Freedom and Responsibility Clause in Contracts

Academic Freedom and Responsibility. 6.1.1 The Board and the Association subscribe to the following statement which sets forth principles of academic freedom and associated responsibilities of individual faculty members: The faculty member is entitled to full freedom in research and or other scholarly or creative activities and in the publication or presentation of the results, subject to adequate performance of the faculty member’s other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution. The faculty member is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing and presenting the course subject, with limitations defined by professional judgment and expertise. However, the faculty member should be careful not to introduce into the teaching controversial matters which have no relation to the course subject. Academic freedom also encompasses the freedom to address any matter of institutional policy or action whether or not as a member of any agency of institutional governance. Faculty have the freedom to address the larger community with regard to any social, political, economic, or other interest. In relations with the public, they should make it clear at all times whether they speak as private citizens, as experts on the subject in question, or as institutional spokesperson. Both within and outside the classroom, the faculty should exhibit the accuracy, restraint, and respect for the opinions of others appropriate to educators and persons of learning.