Academic Freedom
The purpose of this Board Rule is to establish Board policy in support of academic freedom for the College’s faculty and students.
In support of academic freedom for both faculty and students, it is the policy of the Board that academic freedom must be respected, provided it is exercised with responsibility and reasonable judgment, with regard for the rights of others, and with consideration for the best interests of the College, the community, the state, and the nation in which we live.
Academic Freedom for Faculty
Faculty are free to present issues in the classroom that may be of a debatable or controversial nature; provided that this is done objectively and in the spirit of academic inquiry, that the topic is pertinent to the subject matter of the course, and that the material is presented in good taste.
Faculty are encouraged to conduct research and publish materials, provided that these activities do not interfere with the performance of assigned duties.
Faculty are entitled to express opinions as citizens outside the classroom. However, the faculty should clearly indicate that these are personal opinions that may not represent the viewpoint of the College.
Faculty shall have the primary responsibility in the selection of textbooks, library materials, choice of course materials, and for the content, quality, and effectiveness of the College’s curriculum.
Academic Freedom for Students
The College recognizes that a thoughtful and reasoned search for truth can be conducted only in an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students are expected to respect the rights and welfare of all members of the College community and to exercise common sense, good taste, and applied reason when testing their knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes.
Students are free to take reasonable exception to data and views offered in the classroom and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for satisfying the requirements of any course for which they are enrolled. So long as it is consistent with the goals and established policies of the College, the instructor has final authority in all matters relating to course content, grading practices, and classroom procedures.
Students are free to present issues in the classroom that may be of a debatable or controversial nature and to debate issues raised by the faculty member; provided that this is done objectively and in the spirit of academic inquiry, that the topic is pertinent to the subject matter of the course, and that the material is presented in good taste. Students should not suffer academic penalty as a result of exercising this freedom.
The President shall establish procedures for review of allegations by faculty or students of abridgment of academic freedom. These procedures shall, at a minimum, ensure fair and impartial review of the allegations and additional due process safeguards.