Academic Freedom

Cypress College Academic Freedom policy is aligned with The North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) approved Administrative Procedure (AP4030)

AP 4030 Academic Freedom

Reference:
Title 5, Section 51023;
ACCJC Accreditation Eligibility Requirement 20 and Accreditation Standard I.C.7;
WASC/ACS Criterion 2, Indicator 2.2 and Criterion 3, Indicator 3.5

1.0 The Association of American Colleges and the American Association of University Professors have long recognized that membership in the academic profession carries with it special responsibilities. The protections provided under this section are correlative with certain duties. Academic freedom must be balanced with the obligation of the District to protect the right of students to learn in an environment characterized by civility, open inquiry, and rigorous attention to the search for the truth, free of unlawful discrimination.

2.0 It is recognized that an essential function of education is a probing of opinions and an exploration of ideas that may cause some students discomfort. The District affirms the use of a variety of teaching methodologies to fulfill its obligation to raise difficult and meaningful questions in the educational development of students in curricular and co-curricular settings. Faculty members are entitled to freely discuss issues germane to their subject matter as measured by professional standards set by the community of scholars. This freedom involves the right to introduce controversial topics, as long as the manner of presentation involves objective reasoning and rational discussion. There shall be no curtailment of faculty presentation of factual or theoretical material relating to all points of view.

3.0 Faculty are citizens, members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline. However, when doing so, they should apply the best standards of their professions and make every effort to indicate they are not speaking for the institution.

4.0 The District will consult with discipline faculty chosen by the Academic/Faculty Senate with respect to contemporary practices and professional standards for course content and delivery when evaluating issues of academic freedom.

See Board Policy 4030, Academic Freedom.
Date of Adoption: February 12, 2008

Date of Last Revision:

  • November 9, 2021 Board of Trustees (Reference only)
  • October 25, 2021 District Consultation Council
  • September 14, 2016 Chancellor’s Staff
  • November 26, 2014 Chancellor’s Staff

SOURCE: Academic Freedom (AP4030)