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Academic Freedom Policy

 

This Academic Freedom Policy is intended to assure the protection of freedom of inquiry, thought, expression, publication, and peaceable assembly at St. Bonaventure University.

  1. The terms “faculty member” and “faculty members” as used in this document are understood to include the following individuals: all faculty as defined in the Faculty Status and Welfare Handbook; all adjuncts, lecturers, researchers, trustee professors; all members of the professional library staff; and anyone else engaged in teaching, including graduate students, whether tenured or not.

  2. Faculty members are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties.

  3. Faculty members are entitled to full freedom in discussing their subjects in the classroom or in any other venue of teaching.

  4. Administrative personnel who hold academic rank are also entitled to full academic freedom in their capacity as faculty members. Such administrators who allege that a consideration violative of academic freedom contributed to a decision adversely affecting them as administrators are entitled to pursue redress through faculty grievance procedures as specified in Section 6 below.

  1. Faculty members perform in various capacities other than that of teaching. When they speak or write outside the classroom or other venues of teaching, they are entitled to full freedom from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. Hence, they should strive to be accurate, exercise appropriate restraint, show respect for others with differing opinions and not suggest that they are speaking for the institution when they are not.
  2. If any faculty member believes that (a) his or her academic freedom has been violated, or (b) his or her exercise of academic freedom has been the basis for neglect or action against him or her, that faculty member or other faculty members on his or her behalf shall be entitled to pursue redress through faculty grievance procedures.

  3. When clarification of the Sections above is necessary, the following AAUP Statements, to the extent that they are relevant, shall be used in interpreting these Sections:

A.  Statement on Professors and Political Activity

B.  Academic Freedom and Artistic Expression

C.  On Freedom of Expression and Campus Speech Codes

D.  Statement of the Association’s Council: Freedom and Responsibility

E.  On the Relationship of Faculty Governance to Academic Freedom

(February 4, 2000)