University System leaders update stance on academic freedoms on Georgia college campuses
The University System of Georgia Board of Regents on Wednesday approved a statement of principles on academic freedom and freedom of expression, a move meant to clarify USG's stance after a 2021 decision on tenure protection for faculty led to outrage from the American Association of University Professors and many members of the public.
The principles approved by the Board of Regents included all three points from the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom from the American Association of University Professors, which outlines freedom for teachers in their research, instruction, and public interactions, as well as expectations for how professors will use this freedom. The Regents adoption of the AAUP statement comes after the faculty organization censured the university system over the tenure protection changes — the first time such a step had been taken against a public university system in 44 years.
“Higher education is a place where people – young people particularly – come to realize that not everybody brings their same life perspective,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said in a press release announcing the new principles. “We want people to feel free to be expressive with their First Amendment rights on our campuses without being shouted down or called out as a matter of mutual respect and civil discourse.”
According to Kristina Torres, assistant vice chancellor for leadership communications, academic freedom was included in USG policies previously, but the new resolutions outline the guidance for the Regents themselves.
"It's sort of the principles of the Board," she said.
Academic freedom tied to tenure, says AAUP
More: National faculty organization censures University System of Georgia over tenure
The full title of the 1940 AAUP resolution is "Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure," said Georgia AAUP President Matthew Boedy, an associate professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of North Georgia. The two principles re-enforce each other, he said,
Traditionally tenured faculty can only be removed for serious academic or personal misconduct after an investigation by other faculty members. In fall 2021, the Regents passed changes to tenure protection that would allow faculty who failed to improve after a negative post-tenure review to be removed by the administration, without the traditional tenure protections. The AAUP charged that these changes violated longstanding expectations of academic freedom.
"Obviously I applaud the statement, I applaud the Board of Regents using the AAUP principles, I wish they had followed the AAUP principles in regards to tenure," said Boedy.
The Regents also adopted two additional principles, in addition to the 1940 Statement. These are:
USG values the diversity of intellectual thought and expression, which shall be reflected in a student body and faculty that respect the individuality and beliefs of all.
The BOR values our faculty and the important role they play in teaching, conducting research and providing service. Faculty have the right to be unburdened by ideological tests, affirmations and oaths. The key basis for hiring, promotion and tenure should be achievement and a commitment to student success.
The Regents also asked Perdue to review current USG policies regarding academic freedom and freedom of expression, and to make recommendations for changes. These recommendations will guide the implementation of the new principles, according to Torres.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Academic freedom, free speech principles approved by USG Regents
