6.4 Academic Freedom [CR]

The institution publishes and implements appropriate policies and procedures for preserving and protecting academic freedom.

Judgment

x Compliance o Non-Compliance o Partial Compliance

Narrative

UL Lafayette publishes and implements policies and procedures for preserving and protecting academic freedom. The University is dedicated to the concept that academic freedom, fundamental to its mission of achieving excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, is afforded to all members of the academic community. The University supports and protects academic freedom by incorporating the concept into its policies and procedures.

Section IV of the Faculty Handbook, “Instructional and Research Policies” states that “The University of Louisiana at Lafayette subscribes to the joint “1940 Statement of Principles of Academic Freedom” of the Association of American Colleges and the American Association of University Professors. Further, the University operates under the “Board of Regents’ Statement on Academic Freedom, Tenure, and Responsibility,” which establishes and defines a uniform, statewide policy on academic freedom, tenure, and responsibility for the state’s public colleges and universities. Specifically, the document states that “the Board of Regents supports academic freedom, tenure, and responsibility as a means of fostering the free search for truth and its free exposition.” That document also makes clear that academic freedom is afforded to all members of the academic community.

A number of UL Lafayette policies and procedure documents reinforce the University’s commitment to academic freedom. The procedure for dismissal for cause explicitly states that “dismissal will not be used to restrain faculty members in their exercise of academic freedom or their rights of American citizens or legal aliens.” The “University Policy Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Harassment” supports academic freedom in the following terms:

In the educational setting within the University, wide latitude for professional judgment in determining the appropriate content and presentation of academic material is required. Although those participating in the educational setting bear a responsibility to balance their rights of free expression with a consideration of the reasonable sensitivities of other participants, this policy against harassment shall be applied in a manner that protects academic freedom and freedom of expression, including but not limited to the expression of ideas, however controversial, in the classroom setting, academic environment, university-recognized activities, or on the campus. [B. Academic Freedom]

The University Research Integrity Policy references academic freedom, stating that “Throughout responsible and honest discourse, the protection of academic freedom, and protection of the individual against public dissemination of unwarranted allegations are the essential ingredients in the process.” A faculty member who feels that his or her academic freedom has been abridged may file a grievance in accordance with the procedures described in the Faculty Handbook.

Students are similarly guaranteed academic freedom. The Statement of Student Rights includes the following assurance of academic freedom:

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette exists to educate its students; to advance, preserve and disseminate knowledge through research and scholarship; and to advance the public interest and the welfare of society as a whole. Essential to such purposes is an orderly climate of academic integrity, of rational and critical inquiry, of intellectual freedom, and of freedom of individual thought and expression consistent with the rights of others. To the end that such a climate may be established and maintained, UL Lafayette as an institution and each member of the University community have reciprocal rights and obligations. It is the obligation of the University as an institution to ensure orderly operation, to preserve academic freedom, to protect the rights of all members of the University community, to prohibit acts that materially and substantially interfere with legitimate educational objectives or interfere with the rights of others, and to institute disciplinary action where conduct adversely affects the University community’s pursuit of its educational objectives.

A student who feels that his or her academic freedom has been abridged may file a grievance in accordance with the procedures described in the Student Handbook.

No cases involving academic freedom have been filed in the period covered by this report.

Through these policies and procedures, the University guarantees the rights of academic freedom to its students and faculty.