Comprehensive Standards 3.7.4:

The institution ensures adequate procedures for safeguarding and protecting academic freedom.

The Institution Certifies Compliance: Yes

Compliance report completed by: Audit Team 31

Statement of Rationale for Judgment of Compliance:

As described by University of Memphis policies, [1] and the Faculty Handbook, [2] the University of Memphis endorses the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure of the American Association of University Professors, as revised and refined since 1940. The university recognizes the principle of academic freedom, and accordingly:

• Faculty members are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects, being careful not to introduce into the teaching controversial matter which has no relation to the subject.
• Faculty members are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary gain must be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
• Faculty members are citizens, members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When faculty members speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. Faculty members 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 do not speak for the institution.

Academic freedom is essential to fulfilling the ultimate objectives of the University of Memphis, the free search for and exposition of truth, and applies to both teaching and research.

Faculty may file a grievance [3] if they believe their academic freedom has been violated; a university standing committee [4] will consider complaints.  

Relevant Organizational Unit(s):

Office of the President; Provost

Supporting Documentation and Evidence:

[1] UofM Policy 1:2B:01:01 Academic Freedom

[2] Faculty Handbook, Chapter 2, Academic Freedom

[3] UofM Policy UM1564 Grievance Process and Conflict Resolution

[4] Academic Freedom and Responsibility Standing Committee, Charge & Membership