1.2 SFU's Statement on Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is the freedom to examine, question, teach and learn, and it involves the right to investigate, speculate and comment without reference to prescribed doctrine, as well as the right to criticise the University, Faculty Association and society at large. Specifically, academic freedom ensures:

a) freedom in the conduct of teaching;

b) freedom in undertaking research and publishing or making public the results thereof;

c) freedom from institutional censorship.

Academic staff shall not be hindered or impeded in any way by the University or the Faculty Association from exercising their legal rights as citizens, nor shall they suffer any penalties because of the exercise of such rights. The parties agree that they will not infringe or abridge the academic freedom or any member of the academic community. Academic freedom carries with it the duty to use that freedom in a manner consistent with the scholarly obligation to base research and teaching on an honest search for knowledge.

As part of their teaching activities, teachers are entitled to conduct frank discussion of potentially controversial matters which are related to their subjects. This freedom of expression shall be based on mutual respect for the opinions of other members of the academic community.

Librarians have a duty to promote and maintain intellectual freedom. They have a responsibility to protect academic freedom and are entitled to full protection of their own academic freedom. This includes the right to express their academic judgement in the development of the Library collection within the context of Article 1.3.2 and to make the collection accessible to all users in accordance with the University Library policies, even if the materials concerned are considered controversial.

From: Framework Agreement - Faculty Association, July 27, 1995 Page 4

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