3.05 - Academic Freedom

Policy Title: Academic Freedom

Impact: Faculty

Responsibility: Tenure Committee

Effective Date: 6/30/1999

Revised Date:

Reviewed Date:

Relates to Procedure(s):

Legal Citation(s):

I. Academic Freedom

North Idaho College recognizes each faculty member’s fundamental right to academic freedom as the cornerstone of the educational process. This means that each faculty has the following prerogatives.

1. As a teacher/librarian/counselor
   
   
   1. Freedom to choose appropriate pedagogical methods, within recognized professional standards.
   2. Freedom to present and discuss controversial or unpopular ideas, as long as they relate to the subject matter and are within the limits of the law and not prohibited by the policies of NIC.
   3. Freedom to select and purchase materials and provide information on subjects (including controversial subjects) in a professionally responsible manner.
   4. Freedom to present and discuss with counseling clients controversial topics as they relate to client needs and to provide materials, information, and referrals on controversial topics in a responsible manner and within recognized professional standards.
      
      
2. As a scholar and/or artist
   
   
   1. Freedom to conduct research or do creative work on subjects of one’s own choice as long as such activity is within the limits of the law and is not prohibited by the policies of NIC.
   2. Freedom to author or otherwise create controversial or unpopular works of scholarship, as long as such activity is within the limits of the law and is not prohibited by the policies of NIC.
      
      
3. As a member of the college community
   
   
   1. Freedom to propose controversial or unpopular policies or practices to college bodies such as standing and ad hoc committees, supervisors, governing boards, and other groups and individuals.
   2. Freedom to question, criticize, and seek revision of NIC policies and practices in accordance with the normal review process in effect at the college.
      
      
4. As a private citizen
   
   
   1. Freedom to speak or write publicly as long as it is made clear that such action is not undertaken as a representative of the college.