BP 4030: Academic Freedom

The College shall support the principles of academic freedom, built upon the free expression and exchange of ideas that are inherent in the search for scholarly truth and upon which a free and democratic society depends.  The College affirms the use of a variety of teaching methodologies to fulfill its obligation to raise difficult and meaningful questions in the educational development of students.  Faculty members are entitled to freely discuss issues germane to their subject matter.  This freedom involves the right to introduce controversial topics, as long as the manner of presentation involves objective reasoning and rational discussion.

Academic freedom must be balanced with the obligation of the College to protect the right of students to learn in an environment characterized by civility, open inquiry, and freedom from unlawful discrimination.  While faculty have the right to present ideas and conclusions which they believe to be in accord with available evidence, they also have the responsibility to acknowledge the existence of different opinions and to respect the right of others to hold those views.  Faculty and students have a responsibility to engage in teaching and learning that honors and respects divergent viewpoints that are grounded in cultures of reason, logic, evidence and responsible scholarship.

When faculty (or any other College employees) speak or write as citizens, care should be taken to avoid the representation of any personal view as that of the College.

Adopted:        3/8/06

Revised:          3/16/22

References:
NWCCU Standards 2.B.1, 2.B.2
No Oregon statutory requirement