BOT 15.0 - Academic Freedom :

SUMMARY/SCOPE
Academic freedom is essential for the free search of truth and its exposition.

DESCRIPTION
The Board of Trustees of Edmonds College affirms that it adheres to RCW 28B.50.020. Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good and not to further the interest of either the individual faculty member or the institution as a whole. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its exposition.

Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to all disciplines. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic freedom in all disciplines is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty, staff, and students.

Academic freedom carries with it rights and responsibilities, regardless of employment status. Employees and students must remain civil and respectful, even when on opposite sides of an issue. The purpose of an academic community is to freely question, criticize, worry, discuss ideals, and to provide the forum to seek a better way toward human aspiration and fulfillment.

Academic freedom is essential for the maintenance of excellence in education, and moreover, exists so that society may have benefits of objective and independent criticism. Academic freedom is essential to allow the pursuit and examination of honest answers to scientific, social, and artistic questions that might otherwise be withheld for fear of offending an influential social group or transient social attitude.

Accordingly, there shall be no adverse consequences to employment status (promotion, demotion, and/or retention) as a result of discussions and expressions protected by academic freedom.

GLOSSARY TERMS
Board of Trustee(s)

SOURCE INFORMATION
(was) B 1.3 Academic Freedom

RCW 28B.50.020 Purpose.

CONTENT OWNER. The primary responsibility for this policy belongs to:
Office of the President, Secretary of the Board of Trustees

PRIMARY CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR (Director/Dean)
Office of the President, Secretary of the Board of Trustees

REVIEW PERIOD
Three years. Requires President’s recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

REVIEW HISTORY
2021-Nov 10 Reviewed, Board Resolution 21-11-3

2017-Mar 09 Amended to BOT 15.0, Board Resolution 17-3-6

2013-Nov 21 Amended for Numbering Change to B 1.3, Board Resolution 13-11-2

2013-Sep 12 Adopted B 1.4, Board Resolution 13-9-1