Part V, Section I: Academic Freedom

The East Carolina University faculty and administration believe that in writing or speaking each member of the faculty has the same rights and duties as any other citizen. They believe also that each faculty member in exercising their right of free speech must realize that in the minds of many people they occupy a representative position and that in consequence the reputation of the university lies partly in their hands. Therefore, it is their duty to safeguard the reputation of the university and of their colleagues with special care.

East Carolina University accepts the following statement of principles as derived from the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure by the American Association of University Professors.

• The teacher is entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of his or her other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
• The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which 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.
• The college or university teacher is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and an officer of an educational institution. When they speak or write as a citizen, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As a person of learning and an educational officer, they should remember that the public may 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 an institutional spokesperson.

East Carolina University also accepts the following statement concerning “Professors and Political Activity” made in 1969 by the American Association of University Professors.

• The college or university faculty member is a citizen and, like other citizens, should be free to engage in political activities so far as they are able to do so consistently with their obligations as a teacher and scholar.

Many kinds of political activity (e.g., holding part-time office in a political party, seeking election to any office under circumstances that do not require extensive campaigning, or serving by appointment or election in a part-time political office) are consistent with effective service as a member of a faculty. Other kinds of political activity (e.g., intensive campaigning for elective office, serving in a state legislature, or serving a limited term in a full-time position) may require that the professor seek a leave of absence from his or her college or university.

In recognition of the legitimacy and social importance of political activity by faculty members, universities and colleges should provide institutional arrangements to permit it, similar to those applicable to other public or private extramural service. Such arrangements may include the reduction of the faculty member’s workload or a leave of absence for the duration of an election campaign or a term of office, accompanied by equitable adjustment of compensation when necessary.

A faculty member seeking leave should recognize that they have a primary obligation to their institution and to their growth as an educator and scholar; they should be mindful of the problem which a leave of absence can create for their administration, their colleagues, and their students; and, they should not abuse the privilege by too frequent or too late application or too extended a leave. If adjustments in their favor are made, such as a reduction of a workload, they should expect them to be limited to a reasonable period.

A leave of absence incident to political activity should come under the institution’s normal rules and regulations for leaves of absence. Such a leave should not affect unfavorably the tenure status of a faculty member, except that time spent on such leave from academic duties need not count as probationary service. The terms of a leave and its effect on the professor’s status should be set forth in writing.

The policy set forth by the board of governors regarding political activities of university employees can be found in The University Policy Manual with a link to the Board of Governors policy (see item 300.5). (FS Resolution #11-44, March 2011)

Student Academic Freedom

The University shall provide opportunity for its students to derive educational benefits through developing their intellectual capabilities, encouraging their increased wisdom and understanding, and enhancing their knowledge and experience applicable to the effective discharge of civic, professional, and social responsibilities. The University shall not abridge either the freedom of students engaged in the responsible pursuit of knowledge or their right to fair and impartial evaluation of their academic performance. All members of the university community shall share in the responsibility for maintaining an environment in which academic freedom flourishes and in which the rights and freedom of each member of the academic community are respected.