Academic Freedom (Faculty)

CLS Department Statement on Academic Freedom

The Composition and Literary Studies Department fully supports the principles of Academic Freedom expressed in Austin Community College Administrative Rule 6.01001.02 and in the ACC Faculty Handbook. These principles empower faculty to conduct teaching and research in keeping with their expertise and apply equally to instructors teaching in the Dual Credit and Early College High School environment. Further, these principles call for open inquiry and critical thinking for students and faculty as a hallmark of higher education. 

Faculty members concerned with challenges to their academic freedom should approach the CLS Department Chair and/or the Dean of Liberal Arts: Humanities and Communications for guidance and support. Instructors of Dual Credit and ECHS students should additionally reach out to their Dual Credit Liaisons for support. As part of reporting and communication procedures in these matters, both faculty members who face a challenge to course material and involved ACC personnel are expected to maintain careful records of any words or actions related to the challenge. The ACC Ombudsperson (austincc.edu/ombuds) may also be of assistance should a challenge arise.