UNC Plans to Define What Academic Freedom Is—and Isn’t

UNC System moves to formally define academic freedom

UNC System leaders advanced a policy to formally define academic freedom for faculty and students, aiming to clarify protections for teaching, research, and scholarly inquiry. Officials say the definition fills a longstanding gap and reflects shared governance after more than a year of stakeholder input.

UNC Plans to Define What Academic Freedom Is—and Isn’t

The Faculty Assembly’s proposed definition will soon go before the state university system’s board, but with added language such as “academic freedom is not absolute.” The state AAUP is objecting. In 2024, the chair of the statewide University of North Carolina Faculty Assembly and the UNC state system embarked on a fraught mission at a fraught time: writing “a consensus definition” of academic freedom for the entire university system.

What does 'academic freedom' mean? UNC system works toward definition.

Despite controversy and concerns about politicization, NC university system appears unified as it hammers out 'academic freedom' definition. What does ‘academic freedom’ mean? UNC system works toward definition. is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please …