JCCC FA Academic Freedom Statement

As of this writing, over 100 bills in 28 states have been introduced that will or would proscribe the teaching of specific ideas and material in public schools. Of these, there are at least 50 targeting colleges and universities in addition to schools in the K-12 systems. This legislative onslaught comes against a nationwide wave of administrative disciplinary actions taken against individual college professors for matters pertaining to their research and teaching, or for statements made on matters of public concern. There have been many more instances of politically motivated calls for such actions.

Taken together, these events amount to an unprecedented attack on higher education and the principles of Academic Freedom. This statement of the JCCC Faculty Association affirms its unwavering commitment to those principles as outlined and understood in the American Association of University Professors 1940 statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure. Specifically, we hereby assert the rights of faculty members at JCCC to

  1. make choices regarding course materials, effective teaching methods, and topics of instruction consistent with discipline standards;
  2. create, modify, and evaluate curriculum through established processes and in a manner which reflects their disciplinary expertise;
  3. choose their own research subjects and methods without political interference;
  4. speak on matters of public concern and on matters pertaining to the College and its governance without penalty.
  5. We further endorse the rights of librarians to choose books and other materials and to provide services for the interest, information and enlightenment of all members of the Johnson County community.

The JCCC FA also strongly urges the Academic Branch, College Administration, and Board of Trustees to

  1. continue to stand against any political influence in the development of curriculum and teaching at JCCC;
  2. oppose publicly any proposed legislation that would limit the College’s ability to offer classes in subject matters of its own choosing and as developed by academic programs in accordance with JCCC policies and procedures;
  3. publicly affirm its continued commitment to the principles of Academic Freedom as outlined in the Academic Branch’s Statement on Academic Freedom.