Colleagues:
Over the last several months, across colleges and universities, challenges to Academic Freedom have grown more frequent and more intense. Academic Freedom remains firmly rooted in most American Higher Education institutions despite the debates about its limits, roles, and contributions. This seems like a critical moment for us to reaffirm our commitment to Academic Freedom in all its forms -- our policies, shared governance principles, and collective bargaining agreements acknowledge and provide unequivocal support as proclaimed on this website.
The bedrock principles of Academic Freedom are articulated in the 1940 AAUP Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure, updated in 1970 with Interpretive Comments and subsequent statements and other commentary. These rights and responsibilities are the product of many generations of colleagues and scholars who fought for our right to be protected from institutional and political orthodoxy, the right to open inquiry, and the advancement of knowledge through a free exchange of ideas. Fostering creativity, and encouraging innovation is essential for maintaining the integrity of scholarly inquiry and ensuring the quality and relevance of our academic endeavors.
Robert C. Post, professor and former dean of Yale Law School, stated in a talk at Columbia Law School on February 25, 2016, that “there are true ideas and false ideas.” It is the job of scholars to distinguish them as a right of the profession. Faculty need the autonomy to teach, pursue knowledge, express and explore ideas, and engage in critical discourse without fear of censorship, repression, or retaliation. It is this freedom and autonomy that allows our university to flourish. It is this open inquiry of discovery that distinguishes the principles of Academic Freedom from Free Speech and recognizes the scholarly inquiry required to maintain such distinctions.
PSU, from its onset has set a standard for continuously and courageously embracing different perspectives and the inclusion of a wide range of viewpoints. Together, we will continue to cultivate a culture of open inquiry, critical thinking, and academic excellence that serves not only our university community but also society at large. Together, as a community of academic scholars, we can continue to do what we are known for, engage in dialogue and debate, openly and respectfully. Together, we conduct research, teach, and learn in order to pursue our University’s mission. To echo Post, “the institution of the university is a public institution that serves a public trust, and that trust is in the creation and dissemination of knowledge.”
The resources for this, our first Academic Freedom website were gathered and developed, in part, by a University, Faculty Senate and AAUP committee. I owe a debt of thanks to the committee and the other administrative leaders who contributed to this website. It conveys the message that through our Academic Freedom we all have a place at the PSU table, not as guests but as members.
- Aaron Roussell: Associate Professor, Sociology - Liberal Arts & Sciences (AAUP representative)
- Alexander Sager: Executive Director of University Studies
- Alma Trinidad: BSW Program Director/Chair and Professor, School of Social Work
- Bennett Gilbert: Instructor, History, (PSUFA representative)
- Christina Kraus: Director for Human Resources, Employment Services
- Christina Williams: Director of Strategic Communications, University Communications
- Dawn Richardson: Associate Dean for Social Justice, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
- Emily Ford: Urban & Public Affairs Librarian, Library
- Jason Podrabsky: Interim Vice President for Research & Graduate Studies
- Jennifer Ruth: Associate Dean, College of Art + Design
- Krista Stearns: Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel
- Rebecca Lawrence: Assistant Vice President For Equity And Compliance, Global Diversity & Inclusion
- Susan Lindsay: Senior Instructor II IELP, Faculty Senate
- Vanelda Hopes: Chief of Staff to the Provost, Academic Affairs
I look forward to continuing to work together and speak with knowledge and conviction to uphold Academic Freedom as a fundamental pillar of our community and as central to our shared mission: Let Knowledge Serve!
Shelly Chabon, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs