Statement on Academic Freedom
Statement on Academic Freedom
Coquitlam College is committed to upholding the principles of academic freedom as a fundamental and essential component of higher education. Academic freedom is the cornerstone of our academic community, fostering open inquiry, free expression of ideas, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Academic freedom at Coquitlam College encompasses the principles of:
Freedom of Inquiry
Faculty members have the right to conduct research, engage in scholarly activities, and pursue knowledge without censorship or undue external influence.
Freedom of Teaching
Faculty members have the autonomy to design and deliver courses, select instructional materials, and present diverse perspectives in their teaching, all within the framework of approved course curriculum and learning outcomes.
Freedom of Expression
Faculty members and students have the right to express their ideas, opinions, and beliefs freely, both within and outside the classroom, without fear of retaliation or censorship.
While academic freedom is a cherished value, it comes with certain responsibilities:
Scholarly Rigor
Faculty members are expected to conduct their research and teaching with the utmost integrity, accuracy, and adherence to professional standards.
Respect for Diverse Views
All members of the academic community, including faculty and students, are expected to respect diverse viewpoints and engage in constructive, respectful dialogue.
Responsible Exercise
Faculty members must exercise their academic freedom responsibly, considering the potential impact of their actions and expressions on the well-being and mission of the college.
Academic freedom, while expansive, is not absolute and may be subject to limitations in specific circumstances:
Legal Compliance
Faculty members must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and their exercise of academic freedom must not violate any legal obligations.
Safety and Well-being
Academic freedom should not compromise the safety, security, or well-being of individuals within the college community.
Coquitlam College is committed to protecting and providing support for academic freedom. The college will:
Respect and Value Academic Freedom
The college respects and values the academic freedom of its faculty and students, recognizing it as a fundamental component of scholarly endeavors.
Offer Resources and Encourage Dialogue
The college will provide resources and encourage open dialogue to facilitate responsible and meaningful exercise of academic freedom within the community.
Academic freedom is a vital principle at Coquitlam College, promoting the pursuit of knowledge, intellectual diversity, and free expression within our academic community. This policy reflects our commitment to upholding and safeguarding these principles while encouraging responsible exercise of academic freedom by our faculty.
