The 1940 AAUP statement on Academic Freedom follows. I don't think the AAUP will be seen as being overly conservative on this point. The notes pertaining to each of the numbers are included below. The notes refer to refinements made to the principles in 1970. The document, including info on tenure and other processes can be found at: http://www.aaup.org/statements/Redbook/1940stat.htm <http://www.aaup.org/statements/Redbook/1940stat.htm> . I would say Academic Freedom, as discussed by the AAUP, is somewhat less than Rob's concept of "the ability to say and study whatever is desired without interference from outside sources."
"ACADEMIC FREEDOM
a. Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and in the
publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other
academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an
understanding with the authorities of the institution.
b. Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their
subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching
controversial matter which has no relation to their subject.[2] Limitations of
academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should
be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.[3]
c. College and university teachers are citizens, members of a learned
profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or
write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or
discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special
obligations. As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that
the public may judge their profession and their institution by their
utterances. Hence they should at all times be accurate, should exercise
appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and
should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the
institution.[4]
[2] The intent of this statement is not to discourage what is "controversial."
Controversy is at the heart of the free academic inquiry which the entire
statement is designed to foster. The passage serves to underscore the need for
teachers to avoid persistently intruding material which has no relation to
their subject.
[3] Most church-related institutions no longer need or desire the departure
from the principle of academic freedom implied in the 1940 Statement, and we do
not now endorse such a departure.
[4] This paragraph is the subject of an interpretation adopted by the sponsors
of the 1940 Statement immediately following its endorsement which reads as
follows:
If the administration of a college or university feels that a teacher
has not observed the admonitions of paragraph (c) of the section on Academic
Freedom and believes that the extramural utterances of the teacher have been
such as to raise grave doubts concerning the teacher's fitness for his or her
position, it may proceed to file charges under paragraph 4 of the section on
Academic Tenure. In pressing such charges, the administration should remember
that teachers are citizens and should be accorded the freedom of citizens. In
such cases the administration must assume full responsibility, and the American
Association of University Professors and the Association of American Colleges
are free to make an investigation.
Paragraph (c) of the section on Academic Freedom in the 1940 Statement should
also be interpreted in keeping with the 1964 "Committee A Statement on
Extramural Utterances" (Policy Documents and Reports, 32), which states inter
alia: "The controlling principle is that a faculty member's expression of
opinion as a citizen cannot constitute grounds for dismissal unless it clearly
demonstrates the faculty member's unfitness for his or her position. Extramural
utterances rarely bear upon the faculty member's fitness for the position.
Moreover, a final decision should take into account the faculty member's entire
record as a teacher and scholar."
Paragraph 5 of the Statement on Professional Ethics also deals with the nature
of the "special obligations" of the teacher. The paragraph reads as follows:
As members of their community, professors have the rights and
obligations of other citizens. Professors measure the urgency of other
obligations in the light of their responsibilities to their subject, to their
students, to their profession, and to their institution. When they speak or act
as private persons they avoid creating the impression of speaking or acting for
their college or university. As citizens engaged in a profession that depends
upon freedom for its health and integrity, professors have a particular
obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public
understanding of academic freedom.
Both the protection of academic freedom and the requirements of academic
responsibility apply not only to the full-time probationary and the tenured
teacher, but also to all others, such as part-time faculty and teaching
assistants, who exercise teaching responsibilities."
Rick
Dr. Rick Froman
Psychology Department
Box 3055
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
________________________________
From: Rob Weisskirch [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tue 7/25/2006 12:04 PM
To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS)
Subject: [tips] On academic freedom
TIPSfolk,
Thanks for directing me to this article on academic freedom (thanks, Miguel).
Generally, I like Stanley Fish's columns when they appear in the Chronicle of
Higher Ed. However, I can't help but think that Fish's conservatism has now
overtaken him.
Academic Freedom is exactly that--the ability to say and study whatever is
desired without interference from outside sources. Taking an unpopular view is
exactly in the sights of academic freedom. However, I don't think someone can
discuss
academic freedom without talking about political correctness at the same time.
The question is: Are some subjects avoided because of the nature of the topic?
Too few of us in academe have grown fearful of speaking out--mostly, I believe
because pusillanimous administrators who will sacrifice one professor over
public image.
Recently, our campus invited the venerable David Horowitz to our tiny campus
(Mr. Student Bill of Rights). The sparsely attended event did, however, make
me think. Is it wrong to tell one side? Or, to give a minority view? To
counter popular
wisdom? You can read about this event in
http://frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=23357. It's sad to me that
students lack the intellectual wherewithal to compose a counter argument.
My 2 cents.
Rob Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Human Development
Department of Liberal Studies, Building 82C
100 Campus Center
California State University, Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA 93955-8001
(831) 582-5079
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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