Archive for the ‘Academic freedom’ Category

Stepping up to protect free speech on campus

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Just days ago, this forum reposted a message that had been circulated by the AAUP concerning loopholes in the legal protection of speech on campus due to a controversial Supreme Court ruling in 2006.

Today, in the article “Free speech constraints spark criticism, concern”, the Daily Cardinal has reported that  Prof. Donald Downs (Political Science) is taking up that issue with our University Committee. That article, and the background information from the AAUP, is essential reading for anyone who might ever disagree with an administration decision.

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Posted in Academic freedom, Graduate School, Shared governance, The UW-Madison Campus | No Comments »

Speak Up! Speak Out! Protect the Faculty Voice

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

The following broadcast message was sent out by the American Association of University Professors to its membership on November 10, 2009. It is reprinted in its entirety here for the convenience of S&W readers. – Eds.

The right of faculty members at public colleges and universities to speak freely without fear of retribution is endangered as never before.

In 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government can restrict the speech of public employees when they comment on issues related to their “official duties.” Although the decision specifically set aside academic speech, recognizing that additional constitutional interests were at stake, several lower courts have ruled recently that faculty members who speak out on matters affecting their institutions are not protected under the First Amendment. (more…)

Posted in Academic freedom, Shared governance | No Comments »