Academic Freedom: Are There Limits?

While yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theatre when there is no fire is considered not free, protected speech, teaching undergraduates in colleges that our world is only several thousand years old, that early man co-existed with dinosaurs, and that there really was a Garden of Eden, Adam, Eve and the snake seems to fall under a very loosely defined theory of "academic freedom."

Here is one useful definition of academic freedom: "the freedom to discuss all relevant matters in the classroom, to explore all avenues of scholarship, research, and creative expression, and to speak or write without institutional discipline or restraint on matters of public concern as well as on matters related to professional duties and the functioning of the university" ("colleges..." 3). The need for such a definition, according to the article, is the result of Yale University's eliminating all pictures of Mohammad from text books because of a veiled threat of violence by Muslims, and the cancelling of a speech at Hamilton College by Professor Ward Churchill because of threats of violence. In other words, academic freedom is now severely challenged by fear. Fear of violence by protestors who will not allow viewpoints other than their own to be aired. It is fear, not necessarily truth, that endangers free expression on college campuses and even in high schools.

The erosion of academic freedom has been speeded by various court decisions: "Most recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit held last spring that Delaware State University acted within its rights in disciplining a professor for statements made in connection with activities that were not specifically covered by his contract" ("colleges..." 3). And if professors are muzzled, one can hardly permit students to have greater freedom to speak- whether about poplitics or their courses. Certainlym the current "creationist" movement in conservative religious states like Kansas which has specifically permitted schools to teach the concept of Creation as an alternative to Darwin's theory of Evolution. In this instance, so-called "academic freedom" is often held up to ridicule by those who trust scientific evidence more than religious theories.

Over the years, various scholarly associations continue to define and adhere to the freedom of teaching, research and publication: "Such freedom is a defining condition of higher learning; without it, our institutions would become mere appendages to economic interests, party politics, and dramatic if evanescent shifts in public opinion" (O'Neil et al 73). However, valid as these freedoms are, still some institutions are fearful of violent protests. In fact, some universities seem to be bending over backwards to prevent problems from conflicting ideas on their campuses. One example, Texas Tech University, which confines what they deem controversial speech to "free speech areas." "The essentiality of freedom in the community of American universities is almost self-evident. No one should underestimate the vital role in a democracy that is played by those who guide and train our youth" (O'Neill et al 79). Nor, for that m atter, the rights of students to think and speak.

References:

"colleges and universities urgedto defend free speech"

Chicago: Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom

Jan 2010. Vol. 59, Iss. 1

O'Neil, Robert M. Areen, Judith C., Finkin, Matthew W.,

Gerber, Larry G. et al.: "PROTECTING AN INDEPENDENT

FACULTY VOICE: ACADEMIC FREEDOM AFTER

GARCETTI V. CEBALLOS" Washington: Academe

Nov/Dec 2009. Vol. 95, Iss. 6