Faculty and Professional Staff Handbook » Academic Freedom derives from the nature of the quest for knowledge. It is essential to the full search for truth and its free exposition, applies to teaching, research and learning and shall not be abridged or abused. Academic Freedom does not relieve individuals of their duties and obligations which are an inherent part of their relationship to The William Paterson University Teaching/Learning Community. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic Freedom in its teaching aspect is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the teacher in teaching and of the student to freedom in learning. It carries with it responsibilities correlative with rights. The William Paterson University Teaching/Learning Community subscribes to the following principles of Academic Freedom: Members of The William Paterson Teaching/Learning Community are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of results; Each member of The William Paterson Teaching/Learning Community is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his or her subject; Members of The William Paterson Teaching/Learning Community are citizens and members of a learned profession. When the individual speaks or writes as a citizen, he or she should not represent himself or herself as a spokesperson for the Institution. Academic Freedom as defined herewith does not protect anyone against violation of University policies and procedures, and/or state and federal statutes.
