Understanding Academic Freedom

This book surveys academic freedom's history and its application in today's universities, arguing that it is in danger due to the rise of contingent faculty employment, polarized campus environments, and social media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2021
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Academic freedom, a cornerstone of American higher education, faces unprecedented threats in the 2019-20 academic year. From a community college instructor pressured to resign over pro-antifa social media comments to a tenured biology professor threatened with dismissal for allegedly grading students too strictly, incidents of suppression of academic freedom are on the rise. These incidents, while isolated, are merely the tip of the iceberg, indicating a broader erosion of the principle.

Academic freedom, long celebrated as a fundamental value, is now under scrutiny like never before. Some view it as a privilege reserved for supporters, while others argue it is a narrow claim of privilege by a professorial elite, immune from public accountability. In this concise and compelling book, Henry Reichman, former chair of the American Association of University Professors Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure, presents a robust defense of academic freedom and its primary safeguard, academic tenure.

Reichman delves into the multifaceted nature of academic freedom, exploring its role in various contexts. He draws on a wealth of historical and contemporary examples to offer a comprehensive introduction to the concept in all its manifestations. Through his analysis, Reichman sheds light on the historical roots of academic freedom, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present. He also examines the challenges faced by academic freedom in different regions, such as Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Reichman's book is particularly insightful in its exploration of the relationship between academic freedom and tenure. He argues that academic tenure is essential in protecting academic freedom from arbitrary suppression. Tenure provides job security, allowing professors to pursue their research and teach without fear of retaliation. It also promotes academic freedom by ensuring that professors can express their opinions and engage in controversial debates without fear of retribution.

However, Reichman acknowledges that academic tenure is not without its challenges. He discusses the criticisms leveled against tenure, such as its perceived lack of flexibility and its potential to create a professorial elite. He also explores the debate over tenure reform, which has been proposed to address these concerns while still preserving the core principles of academic freedom.

Reichman's book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the importance of academic freedom and the challenges facing it in today's world. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept, drawing on historical and contemporary examples to offer a nuanced understanding of its manifestations. The book is particularly relevant for educators, students, policymakers, and anyone concerned about the future of higher education.

In conclusion, academic freedom is under threat in the 2019-20 academic year, but this book offers a robust defense of the principle. By exploring the historical roots.

Weight: 192g
Dimension: 127 x 202 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421442150