Academic Freedom Policy

Policy Statement

The SUNY Policy of the Board of Trustees, Article XI, Title I states: “It is the policy of the University to maintain and encourage full freedom, within the law, of inquiry, teaching, and research. In the exercise of this freedom the faculty member may, without limitation, discuss his/her own subject in the classroom; he/she may not, however, claim as his/her right the privilege of discussing in his/her classroom controversial matter that has no relation to his/her subject. In his/her role as citizen, the faculty member has the same freedom as other citizens. However, in his/her extramural utterances he/she has an obligation to indicate that he/she is not an institutional spokesperson.”

Purpose/Scope

There is no purpose/scope provided for this policy at this time

Applicability

There is no applicability provided for this policy at this time

Definitions

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Policy Procedures

The Brockport Faculty Senate passed the following resolution concerning academic freedom on March 6, 1967.

“Be it resolved that the Faculty Senate affirms the necessity for safeguarding national security through legally constituted means and, further, affirms the responsibility of staff members, as citizens, to testify concerning unlawful activities. The Faculty Senate, however, opposes the practices of any member of the academic community, of indiscriminate surveillance or reporting of the activities of colleagues, including activities involving expression of unorthodox or unpopular views.”

Article 9 of the collective bargaining agreement between the United University Professions and the State of New York provides:

Academic Freedom: It is the policy of the University to maintain and encourage full freedom, within the law, of inquiry, teaching and research. In the exercise of this freedom faculty members may, without limitation, discuss their own subject in the classroom; they may not, however, claim as their right the privilege of discussing in their classroom controversial matter which has no relation to their subject. The principle of academic freedom shall be accompanied by a corresponding principle of responsibility. In their role as citizens, employees have the same freedoms as other citizens. However, in their extramural utterances employees have an obligation to indicate that they are not institutional spokespersons.

“Be it resolved that the Faculty Senate views the University as a community in which there must be no threat to the free expression and examination of ideas and issues, including those considered controversial in nature. The responsibility to assist in the search for reasoned solutions too academic and social problems rests with every individual who accepts appointment to membership in the academic community. In the exercise of his responsibilities to institutions or agencies other than the University, it is conceivable that a staff member might be tempted to act in a manner reflecting something less than full dedication to the principles of academic freedom and responsibility. The decision to be made under such circumstances rests with the individual. The Senate reminds every staff member of his obligation in this regard and holds him liable to faculty censure if proper investigation and hearing give evidence that, as a consequence of his action, the personal, professional, or academic freedoms of others have been threatened or inhibited. The Faculty Senate would regret the continuance within the academic community of any staff member thus censured.”

Links to Related Procedures and Information

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Contact Information

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History (in descending order)

Approval

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