EFFECTIVE DATE: April 21, 1987
ISSUE #: 2
PRESIDENT: Manuel T. Pacheco
PURPOSE
In recognition of the principle that a university of the first rank
should have a clear statement of the privileges and responsibilities
of its faculty under the right of academic freedom, this policy
statement is adopted by the university.
POLICY/PROCEDURES
Believing the American Association of University Professors to
have set forth clear and widely recognized principles of academic
freedom, the University of Houston – Downtown (UHD)
incorporates into this policy statement the following sections of the
AAUP Professors Policy Documents and Reports, 1977 edition,
page 2.
2.1 Teaching
The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing
subject matter, but should be careful not to introduce into lectures
controversial matter that has no direct relation to the subject.
2.2. Research and Publication
The teacher is entitled to full freedom in research and in the
publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of
other academic duties; however, research for pecuniary return
should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the
institution.
2.3 Professionalism
The college or university teacher is a citizen, a member of a learned
profession, and an officer of an educational institution. The teacher
who speaks or writes as a citizen should be free from institutional
censorship or discipline, but the special position of a teacher in the
community imposes certain obligations. Because a person of
learning and an educational officer speaks, the public may judge
that the profession and the institution are represented by the
teacher's utterance. Hence, the teacher should at all times be
accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect
for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to avoid the
implications of speaking as if on behalf of the institution.
REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Vice President for Academic Affairs
Review: As needed
Reprint of original policy statement.
Signed original on file in the
President's Office.
