Challenges to Academic Freedom

Contemporary threats to academic freedom are explored in the book, including administrative interference, overreach, and the tie between academic freedom and the law. It also examines the contested arena of extramural speech and social media and academic freedom in a contingent academy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2021
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Academic freedom, a cornerstone of the educational system, faces unprecedented threats in the modern world. Despite the ongoing debate surrounding what professors can and should say or publish, particularly in extramural forums like social media, confusion persists about the boundaries of academic discourse. At least one source of this confusion in the United States is the intertwining of academic freedom with constitutional freedom of speech. While related, these freedoms are distinct and require careful examination.

In his book "Challenges to Academic Freedom," Joseph C. Hermanowicz challenges the notion that academic freedom is a static concept. Instead, he proposes that we view academic freedom as a dynamic set of relational practices that evolve over time and across different contexts. This volume brings together scholars from various fields to examine the current conditions and recent developments of academic freedom in the United States.

The book explores the sources of recurring threats to academic freedom, including administrative interference and overreach. It delves into the effects of administrative law on academic work, particularly under the auspices of Title IX legislation, diversity and inclusion offices, research misconduct tribunals, and institutional review boards. The book also examines the tenuous tie between academic freedom and the law and offers insights into what can be done to address this complex relationship.

The highly contested arena of extramural speech and social media is another focus of the book. It explores the challenges and risks associated with professors expressing their opinions and ideas on social media platforms, particularly in the face of criticism and backlash. The book examines the legal and ethical implications of such speech and offers recommendations for navigating the complex terrain of online communication.

Academic freedom in a contingent academy is another theme explored in the book. It examines the challenges faced by adjunct faculty, graduate students, and other non-tenure-track faculty members who often lack the same protections and resources as their tenured colleagues. The book advocates for greater support and recognition of these faculty members' rights and contributions to the academic community.

The contributors to "Challenges to Academic Freedom" adopt a diverse range of epistemological bases to engage with their subject matter. The book includes case study analyses, historical perspectives, legal-analytic insights, formal-empirical research, and policyoriented discussions. By traversing such a conceptual range, the book demonstrates the imperative of academic freedom to producing outstanding scholarly work amidst the complex entanglements of the concept.

In conclusion, academic freedom is a vital component of the educational system that must be protected and preserved. The book "Challenges to Academic Freedom" provides a comprehensive examination of the current threats to academic freedom and offers valuable insights into how we can address these challenges. By fostering a culture of academic freedom and promoting open dialogue and intellectual inquiry, we can ensure that the next generation of scholars can continue to thrive in an environment that values academic excellence and freedom of expression.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421442198