Kalamazoo College subscribes to the definition of academic freedom as articulated in the American Association of University Professors’ 1940 Statement of Principles on this issue:
Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
(AAUP, 1995, pp. 3-4)
Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching a controversial matter that has no relation to their subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.
College and university teachers 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, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public might judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence, they should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.
The protection of these professional freedoms resets with the force of opinion of the Faculty, acting in complete possession of the facts rather than with regulations and prohibitions upon the Administration.
A. Hearing Committee Request
- Upon receipt of a request under this Section, the Grievance committee will stand up a Hearing Committee as set forth in Section VI.
- A Hearing committee appointed under this section shall review the matter in an open and fair manner, giving all interested parties a full and equal opportunity to appear and present their positions. The Hearing Committee will determine who constitute interested parties.
- The hearing will not be open to either members of the general College community or the general public.
B. Hearing Committee Decision
- Within twenty days of the hearing’s conclusion, the Hearing committee shall issue a report to the Provost and the Faculty Executive Committee regarding the allegations.
- The written recommendations of both the Provost ad the Hearing Committee, with support, will then be submitted to the President.
C. President’s Decision
- Within twenty calendar days after the President receives both written recommendations, the President, having also examined all available, relevant information and the recommendations of the Provost and the Hearing Committee, shall make a decision.
- Written decision. The President shall provide written copies of his or her decision to the Hearing Committee, and the Faculty member who brought the Grievance.
- Consensus. If the President does not concur with the Hearing Committee’s recommendation, the President, the Provost, and the Committee will meet and attempt to reach a consensus.
- Finality. In all instances, the President’s decision on the alleged violation of academic freedom is final.
- Report to Board of Trustees. Within twenty calendar days of the President’s decision, the President shall submit a report of their final decision to the Board of Trustees.