“Academic freedom”\u00a0is the\u00a0concept that universities,\u00a0faculty and students have the freedom to seek truth freely and without interference. Early cases involving theories of academic freedom found that it\u00a0affords protection against outside (e.g.,\u00a0governmental) intrusion on the free pursuit of intellectual activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Individual academic freedom for faculty members is an extension of institutional academic freedom in addition to free speech rights provided to all governmental employees under the United States\u00a0Constitution. The ability of individual faculty members to teach and conduct research freely, and to participate in the affairs of the community, is central to institutional academic freedom.\u00a0The First Amendment does not afford an absolute guarantee that any and all speech by faculty members is protected. There are laws governing defamation of character, pornography, commercial speech and public broadcasting which all place limits on free speech. However the First Amendment does require that the government\u00a0demonstrate a compelling reason for limiting speech on matters of public concern. Absent such a compelling interest, speech on issues of public interest cannot be grounds for dismissal or any other adverse employment action against faculty members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n