University of Iowa statement on academic freedom
The University of Iowa is committed to the principle of academic freedom, ensuring that the right of faculty to pursue knowledge and inquiry is protected.
To support this commitment, the university has developed resources to help members of the campus community understand their rights as well as their responsibilities as it relates to academic freedom.
What is Academic Freedom?
The advancement and dissemination of knowledge is the core function of public higher education. As Iowa’s public flagship university, the freedom of faculty to do that is protected through policies adopted by the Iowa Board of Regents and the University of Iowa.
Applying equally to all faculty members, regardless of position or rank (e.g., tenure-track, clinical-track, instructional-track, research-track), these policies support the freedom of faculty to explore and discuss matters relating to their instructional and scholarly activities, even if some may disagree with or even disapprove of their work.
Iowa Board of Regents Policies on Academic Freedom
Board of Regents policy 3.10 (A) provides the following guidance:
“University teachers shall be entitled to academic freedom in the classroom in discussing the teachers’ course subject, but shall not introduce into the teaching controversial matters that have no relation to the subject.”
This tenet also applies to research and creative work under BOR policy 3.10 (C):
“Universities shall uphold the principle of academic freedom in their research and creative endeavors and support full freedom, within the law, of expressions in research investigation and dissemination of results through presentation, performance, and publication.”
The university vigorously supports the academic freedom of faculty, and asks that faculty remain equally committed to the responsibilities that come with it. Board of Regents policy 3.10 (B) states:
“Faculty may teach controversial subjects when they are relevant to the course content. Instruction should be presented in a manner that fosters critical thinking and avoids indoctrination of one perspective. Faculty are expected to uphold academic integrity, encourage open and respectful inquiry, and present coursework in a way that reflects the range of scholarly views and ongoing debate in the field.”
Communications and Social Media
- University social media guidelines
- Policy on lobbying
- Public records and open record laws
- Board Policy 4.2.I, “University Statements on Matters of Public Concern and Use of Social Media.”
- Employee speech
If you have any questions about these policies or are uncertain about your rights or the rights of your students, please consult with your department head or the Office of the Provost.