Academic Freedom

Frequently Asked Questions

What is academic freedom?

Academic freedom is the principle that scholars should have freedom to teach, discuss and pursue knowledge and research without unreasonable interference or restriction from institutional policy or public pressure. Oregon State University expresses this principle through its policy on academic freedom, which states the university and its faculty jointly accept the responsibility for maintaining an atmosphere in which scholars may freely teach, conduct research, publish, engage in other scholarly activities and speak on all matters of university governance.

How does academic freedom differ from freedom of speech?

Academic freedom is not an individual right like freedom of speech. Instead, it applies to a discipline or a community of inquiry within academia. Academic freedom is designed to protect the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of scholarship. It allows scholars, researchers and educators to explore ideas, challenge existing knowledge and engage in critical inquiry in their academic fields without fear of reprisal. Academic freedom is not directly tied to the First Amendment. Instead, it safeguards the autonomy of academic disciplines.

Are there limits to academic freedom?

Yes, academic freedom is not absolute. It is subject to the norms and standards of scholarly inquiry, which demand competence and expertise, intellectual honesty and respect for the rights of others. Moreover, academic freedom is subject to the provisions of a faculty member’s position description, and it does not extend to personal activities.

Does academic freedom cover the content of lectures and presentations?

Yes, academic freedom encompasses the right of faculty members to design and deliver course content, lectures and presentations according to their professional judgment. However, academic freedom only extends to topics that are germane to the subject matter of the course they are teaching or the educational activity in which they are engaged.

Can faculty’s speech in the classroom infringe on students’ rights?

Academic freedom encompasses the right of faculty members to design and deliver course content, lectures and presentations according to their professional judgment. However, any discriminatory conduct against a student violates university policy.

Are faculty able to share their personal or political views in the classroom?

Opinions unrelated to a faculty member’s field of study or content of the course can be shared in the classroom, however, this type of speech is not necessarily protected under academic freedom and faculty members should be aware of the impacts on classroom dynamics. There is an unequal power dynamic in the classroom, and when faculty share their political, ideological, religious, or other personal views beyond the academic content of a class, those views could be experienced as an endorsement and could have a negative effect on student participation.

What types of extramural speech are protected by academic freedom, and what types are outside the scope?

Extramural speech, which generally defines public speech conducted by scholars or university employees, allows them to freely engage in discussions on social media and elsewhere as private citizens, both within and beyond their areas of expertise. These communications are part of their free speech rights. 

When communicating in their professional role, in areas in which they have expertise, academic freedom allows scholars, researchers and educators to explore ideas, challenge existing knowledge and engage in critical inquiry in their academic fields without fear of reprisal. 

In any extramural communication, when posting in their professional capacity, they should maintain a clear distinction between personal views and those representing the institution. Faculty have the right to identify their university association or title but should not imply or claim to be acting or speaking on behalf of the university unless authorized to do so.