E02.0 Principles of Academic Freedom

Scope: This policy applies to all members of the RIT faculty.

Policy Statement

RIT is guided by the principles of academic freedom as articulated in the “Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression” from the University of Chicago and “1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure with the 1970 Interpretive Comments.” from the American Association of University Professors.  The RIT-specific articulation of these principles is stated as follows:

RIT-specific articulation of the “Chicago Statement”:

Because Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, it guarantees all members of the RIT community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. Except insofar as limitations on that freedom are necessary to the functioning of RIT, RIT fully respects and supports the freedom of all members of the RIT community “to discuss any problem that presents itself.”

Of course, the ideas of different members of the RIT community will often and quite naturally conflict. But it is not the proper role of RIT to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive. Although RIT greatly values civility, and although all members of the RIT community share in the responsibility for maintaining a climate of mutual respect, concerns about civility and mutual respect can never be used as a justification for closing off discussion of ideas, however offensive or disagreeable those ideas may be to some members of our community.

The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not, of course, mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. RIT may restrict expression that violates the law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of RIT. In addition, RIT may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of RIT. But these are narrow exceptions to the general principle of freedom of expression, and it is vitally important that these exceptions never be used in a manner that is inconsistent with RIT’s commitment to a completely free and open discussion of ideas.

In a word, RIT’s fundamental commitment is to the principle that debate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the RIT community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. It is for the individual members of the RIT community, not for RIT as an institution, to make those judgments for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose. Indeed, fostering the ability of members of the RIT community to engage in such debate and deliberation in an effective and responsible manner is an essential part of RIT’s educational mission.

As a corollary to RIT’s commitment to protect and promote free expression, members of the RIT community must also act in conformity with the principle of free expression. Although members of the RIT community are free to criticize and contest the views expressed on campus, and to criticize and contest speakers who are invited to express their views on campus, they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe. To this end, RIT has a solemn responsibility not only to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation, but also to protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it.

RIT-specific articulation of the AAUP’s “1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure with the 1970 Interpretive Comments”:

When members of the RIT community speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline. However the special position of faculty and administrators within the community does impose special obligations.  As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances.  Accordingly, they should at all times be accurate, exercise appropriate restraint, show respect for the opinions of others, and make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.

All members of the RIT faculty are entitled to full freedom in their teaching, in studies and research, and in the publication of the results of their studies or research.  Likewise, they are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects and material relating directly to them.  However, it is expected that teaching will be aimed toward achieving the educational objectives agreed upon by the faculty and administration. Independent study and research are encouraged for members of the faculty subject to the proper performance of their other responsibilities to the University.

Responsible Offices:
Faculty Senate and the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.  Inquiries can be directed to:

Faculty Senate:
Faculty Senate Office
2106 Eastman Hall
fsenate@rit.edu
(585) 475-2016

Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs:
2100 Eastman Hall
academicaffairs@rit.edu

Effective Date:
Approved September 23, 1963

Policy History:
Revised October 21, 2010
Reviewed and Affirmed by Faculty Senate - February 23, 2017

Revisions approved by Faculty Senate - February 6, 2025