Statement on Academic Freedom

To define the rights and obligations related to academic freedom.

Every full-time, partial-load, part-time, and/or sessional faculty member is able to exercise academic freedom in the performance of their duties. All members of the College community shall support and protect the fundamental principle of academic freedom.

Academic freedom: includes the right to enquire about, investigate, pursue, teach, and speak freely about academic issues without fear of impairment to position or other reprisal.

1. Every faculty member is able to exercise academic freedom in the performance of their duties. Academic freedom at the College includes the right to enquire about, investigate, pursue, teach, and speak freely about academic issues without fear of impairment to position or other reprisal.
2. In exercising academic freedom, employees shall be responsible for adhering to legal parameters (such as, but not limited to, the Human Rights Code, Criminal Code of Canada, civil liability, collective agreement obligations), institutional regulations, Ministry directives, requirements of accrediting bodies, and program and curriculum requirements.
3. Academic freedom carries with it the duty to use that freedom in a manner consistent with the scholarly obligations to base research and teaching on an honest search for knowledge. In exercising such freedom, faculty have a responsibility to respect the academic freedom and rights of other members of the college community.
4. The College affirms that faculty shall be free to act and speak in their capacity as public citizens, provided they indicate they are speaking as individuals and not acting as representatives of the College.

Vice President, Academic is responsible for:

• Ensuring the compliance and implementation of this policy statement.
• Ensuring the development, review, and availability of this policy.

College Community has the responsibility for:

• Supporting and protecting the fundamental principle of academic freedom.

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