East Carolina University Faculty Manual

PART III.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM
(formerly Appendix E.)

The East Carolina University faculty and administration believe that in writing or speaking each member of the faculty has the same rights and duties as any other citizen. They believe also that each faculty member in exercising his or her right of free speech must realize that in the minds of many people he or she occupies a representative position and that in consequence the reputation of the university lies partly in his or her hands. Therefore, it is his or her duty to safeguard the reputation of the university and of his or her colleagues with special care.

East Carolina University accepts the following statement of principles made in 1940 by the American Association of University Professors.

The teacher is entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of his or her other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.

The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his or her subject, but he or she should be careful not to introduce into his or her teaching controversial matter which has no relation to his or her subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.

The college or university teacher is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and an officer of an educational institution. When he or she speaks or writes as a citizen, he or she should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but his or her special position in the community imposes special obligations. As a person of learning and an educational officer, he or she should remember that the public may judge his or her profession and his or her institution by his or her utterances. Hence, he or she 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 he or she is not an institutional spokesperson.

East Carolina University also accepts the following statement concerning "Professors and Political Activity" made in 1969 by the American Association of University Professors:

The college or university faculty member is a citizen and, like other citizens, should be free to engage in political activities so far as he or she is able to do so consistently with his or her obligations as a teacher and scholar.

Many kinds of political activity (e.g., holding part‑time office in a political party, seeking election to any office under circumstances that do not require extensive campaigning, or serving by appointment or election in a part‑time political office) are consistent with effective service as a member of a faculty. Other kinds of political activity (e.g., intensive campaigning for elective office, serving in a state legislature, or serving a limited term in a full‑time position) may require that the professor seek a leave of absence from his or her college or university.

In recognition of the legitimacy and social importance of political activity by faculty members, universities and colleges should provide institutional arrangements to permit it, similar to those applicable to other public or private extramural service. Such arrangements may include the reduction of the faculty member's work load or a leave of absence for the duration of an election campaign or a term of office, accompanied by equitable adjustment of compensation when necessary.

A faculty member seeking leave should recognize that he or she has a primary obligation to his or her institution and to his or her growth as an educator and scholar; he or she should be mindful of the problem which a leave of absence can create for his or her administration, his or her colleagues, and his or her students; and, he or she should not abuse the privilege by too frequent or too late application or too extended a leave. If adjustments in his or her favor are made, such as a reduction of a work load, he or she should expect them to be limited to a reasonable period.

A leave of absence incident to political activity should come under the institution's normal rules and regulations for leaves of absence. Such a leave should not affect unfavorably the tenure status of a faculty member, except that time spent on such leave from academic duties need not count as probationary service. The terms of a leave and its effect on the professor's status should be set forth in writing.

The policy set forth by the board of governors regarding political activities of university employees is summarized in Part VI. General Personnel Information of the ECU Faculty Manual.