Part V: Part V. Academic Freedom and Professional Ethics

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.

The East Carolina University faculty and administration expect all ECU faculty to perform all their job responsibilities in conformance with the following Statement on Professional Ethics modified from the American Association of University Professors: Professors, guided by a deep conviction of the worth and dignity of the advancement of knowledge, recognize the special responsibilities placed upon them. Their primary responsibility to their subject is to seek and to state the truth as they see it. To this end professors devote their energies to developing and improving their scholarly competence. They accept the obligation to exercise critical self-discipline and judgment in using, extending, and transmitting knowledge. They practice intellectual honesty. Although professors may follow subsidiary interests, these interests must never seriously hamper or compromise their freedom of inquiry.

1. As teachers, professors encourage the free pursuit of learning in their students. They hold before them the best scholarly and ethical standards of their discipline. Professors demonstrate respect for students as individuals and adhere to their proper roles as intellectual guides and counselors. Professors make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct and to ensure that their evaluations of students reflect each student’s true merit. They respect the confidential nature of the relationship between professor and student. They avoid any exploitation, harassment, or discriminatory treatment of students. They acknowledge significant academic or scholarly assistance from them. They protect their academic freedom.
2. As colleagues, professors have obligations that derive from common membership in the community of scholars. Professors shall not discriminate against or engage in hostile conduct toward members of the university community. Expressing disagreement with others is an essential component of professional academic conduct, but professors shall refrain from bullying: that is, unwanted offensive and malicious behavior which undermines an individual or group through persistently negative attacks, typically with an element of vindictiveness and behavior calculated to undermine, patronize, humiliate, intimidate, or demean the recipient, and typically severe or pervasive and persistent, creating a hostile work environment. Professors shall respect and defend the free inquiry of associates, even when it leads to findings and conclusions that differ from their own. Professors shall give proper acknowledgement to the ideas and data of others and strive to be objective in their professional judgment of colleagues. Professors shall accept their share of faculty responsibilities for the governance of their institution.
3. As members of an academic institution, professors seek above all to be effective teachers and scholars. Although professors observe the stated regulations of the institution, provided the regulations do not contravene academic freedom, they maintain their right to criticize and seek revision. Professors give due regard to their paramount responsibilities within their institution in determining the amount and character of work done outside it. When considering the interruption or termination of their service, professors recognize the effect of their decision upon the program of the institution and give due notice of their intentions.

As members of their community, professors have the rights and obligations of other citizens. Professors measure the urgency of these obligations in the light of their responsibilities to their subject, to their students, to their profession, and to their institution. When they speak or act as private persons, they avoid creating the impression of speaking or acting for their college or university. As citizens engaged in a profession that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, professors have a particular obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public understanding of academic freedom. (Faculty Senate Resolution #11-93, January 2012)

Faculty Senate Resolution #11-44, March 2011
Faculty Senate Resolution #11-93, January 2012
Faculty Senate Resolution #21-24, April 2021
Faculty Senate Resolution #23-31, May 2023 (final approval October 2023)
Faculty Senate Resolution #25-14, March 2025