Academic Freedom

Academic Freedom

A proactive faculty approach to protecting the discourse of the classroom means knowing your rights and responsibilities as a facilitator of free and open learning. Students have rights and responsibilities around free inquiry, too.

An inclusive classroom means making space for a wide range of perspective and voices, and allowing students to engage with content in ways that support “appropriate respect for the opinions of others,” according to CSU’s policy on academic freedom. In other words, the open inquiry and discussion provided by academic freedom are best accomplished by creating an inclusive classroom climate that provides all students with a sense of belonging and the opportunity for open inquiry.

Instructor’s Guide to Academic Freedom in the Classroom

Detailed guide about the First Amendment and academic freedom on campus, including university policies, how to address and report issues, and suggested syllabus language.

Student’s Guide to Academic Freedom in the Classroom

Your rights and responsibilities as a student in relation to the First Amendment and academic freedom in the classroom, including university policies, and how to address and report issues.

How to Handle Controversial Speech in the Classroom

Can I say that in class? Best practices and steps for college instructors on how to think through what you want to say in class, what to do if problems or conflicts arise, and considerations for planning controversial content in your courses.