G-34-8 Academic Freedom and Responsibility

Approved: 10/6/2025

Academic Freedom and Responsibility at Central Oregon Community College

A. The purpose of this statement is to help the public understand and support academic freedom and professional responsibility for students, the community, and Central Oregon Community College (COCC). The college exists for the shared benefit of all citizens, residents and community member, not just teachers or the school itself. It is critical that people can search for the truth and share their ideas freely.

B. Academic freedom is essential for learning, teaching, and other College activities. It protects faculty members’ rights to teach and students' rights to learn. However, with these rights come responsibilities. Faculty members must act responsibly when choosing subjects in class, doing research, publishing their work, and participating as a member of the school and community.
1. Faculty members at COCC are entitled to freedom in their teaching, research and scholarly activities, and are free to express their ideas and opinions in the classroom, in academic settings, and in their professional work, without interference from outside influences or institutional constraints, provided such expressions are consistent with professional conduct and academic standards. Faculty have the right to present controversial or unorthodox viewpoints in their teaching and research, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to critically engage with diverse perspectives. In return, faculty members bear the responsibility to respect the academic integrity of the institution and the rights of students, maintaining professionalism and ethical standards in the classroom and beyond. Faculty members also have a duty to ensure that their academic freedom does not infringe upon the rights of students or others in the academic community.
2. A faculty member is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and a member of the educational institution. When they speak or write as a citizen, resident, or community member, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations; however, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by how and what they speak. As a member of their community, the faculty member has the rights and obligations of any citizen, resident or community member. They act ethically and responsibly in civic settings with regard to their responsibilities as educators at COCC. As a citizen engaged in a profession that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, the faculty member has a particular obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public understanding of academic freedom.

Freedom of Inquiry and Expression at COCC for Staff, Administrators and Students

At COCC, we also believe that staff, administrators and students have freedom of inquiry and expression. Students, both in the classroom and as members of student organizations, have the freedom to learn, explore and challenge ideas while building and sharing their own opinions. Staff and Administrators, too, have the freedom to question and test ideas, to put forward new ideas and to state controversial opinions. Guests of the College also have freedom of speech and expression. As with faculty, this freedom carries responsibilities, including ethical conduct and respect for diverse perspectives, in keeping with COCC’s Principles of Community.

Conclusion COCC affirms its commitment to the principles of academic freedom, recognizing that such freedom is vital not only to the growth of individuals but also to the development of an informed and engaged society. The College will take all necessary steps to protect the academic freedom of faculty, and the freedom of inquiry and expression of students and staff and safeguard their right to engage in intellectual exploration without fear of retaliation or censorship.