Although the term academic freedom is tossed about almost with abandon, many people do not know exactly what it means. This paper defines academic freedom, explains to whom it applies, and places it in its historical, institutional, and legal contexts. This paper also offers guidelines for deciding when and where the protection of academic freedom…

The University of Colorado's Ward Churchill is but the latest in a long line of professors whose volatile statements have created controversy for themselves and their universities. Specific personnel matters in the case have been meticulously addressed in Boulder, but several larger questions have been curiously neglected. One might well ask, for…

Reviews current court cases pertaining to infringements on academic freedom and considers their relationship to arguments concerning tenure. In particular, raises such issues as how the First Amendment protects the academic freedom of faculty and if there are alternative safeguards. Concludes that eliminating tenure would jeopardize academic…