University of Bath: Academic Freedom Statement (approved by Senate 2.11.88)
University of Bath
ACADEMIC FREEDOM
Introduction
Academic freedom is necessary for the effective discharge of the duty of a
university which, expressed in the words of the Charter, is " ... to
advance learning and knowledge by teaching and research." (Charter §
2)
Over the centuries universities have had to struggle to establish, to
maintain, and often to re-establish academic freedom, not for the comfort of
academic staff, but for the health of the university. Where academic freedom has
been suppressed the spirit of the university has suffered.
Like many qualities which are difficult to describe precisely, but which are
nonetheless real (eg excellence, virtue), academic freedom is not easy to
define. However, stimulated by the passing of the 1988 Education Reform Act,
Academic Assembly set up a number of meetings which led to the formulation of
the following code on Academic Freedom and Corresponding Responsibilities. After
acceptance by Academic Assembly, it was approved by Senate on 2 November 1988,
and subsequently by Council.
Academic Freedom and Corresponding Responsibilities
The Institution
- Freedom
To govern its own affairs, in particular, in teaching and research.
Corresponding responsibility
To maintain academic standards and independence of judgement.
Members of the University
- Freedom
Within the law to question and test received wisdom and to put forward new
ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions.
Corresponding responsibility
To support the same freedoms for those of differing views.
Freedom
To discuss the University's affairs, in appropriate media.
Corresponding responsibility
To enter into such discussion with integrity and charity, not representing
personal opinions as those of the University.
Academic Staff
- Freedom
To take an active part in the governance of the University.
Corresponding responsibility
To accept decisions properly arrived at.
Freedom
To select methods of teaching course elements which have been properly
agreed.
Corresponding responsibility
To take full cognizance of (i) the intellectual and professional needs of
students and (ii) requirement for the integrity and coherence of an academic
course.
Freedom
To select one's area of research, subject to constraints on the resources
available; to publish subject to academic judgement.
Corresponding responsibility
To maintain high standards of scholarship and to be responsive to reasoned
discussion.
Freedom
Not to take part in research which is morally repugnant to the individual.
Corresponding responsibility
Not to use such freedom in a fickle way.