FAC 1.A.2. Academic Freedom.

(1) Principles.

To be free, a university must encourage a full examination of all viewpoints, but to remain free, the institution must avoid actions which advocate a particular viewpoint.

In opening its doors to the interchange of ideas, discussion, debate, and the development of alternate approaches, the university itself assumes an obligation to retain a neutral platform. To do otherwise and lend its weight to a particular position would be to stifle the very freedom which it purports to encourage.

The faculty member has the freedom of any citizen. In turn, he/she has the same responsibilities. As an individual, the faculty member has freedom of expression in research, publications, classroom discussion, speaking or writing. As a teacher, he/she has a responsibility to students and to the institution. These responsibilities include giving full attention and effort to the course being taught, avoiding introduction into the classroom of material which does not relate to the subject, being accurate, showing respect for all opinions and persons, making clear that he/she speaks as an individual and not for the department or institution, and undertaking such duties as are prescribed by the institution which gives employment.

(2) Campus Speakers.

As an institution of higher learning devoted to the spirit of free inquiry, this university neither seeks to inculcate the doctrines held by a majority nor shuns those advocated by a minority; rather, it encourages the fair and orderly presentation of varying points of view.

To promote this goal the university requires that:

(a) All campus speakers must be sponsored by a faculty member or a student organization recognized by the Oshkosh Student Association.

(b) All established and published procedures concerning the reservation or use of campus facilities must be observed.

(c) Whenever feasible, the chairperson of the meeting should come from the sponsoring agency, and an opportunity should be provided for the presentation of other points of view. A minimum requirement should be the provision of a question‑and‑answer period.