Article
The Politics of Learning for Democracy
This article, published in AAC&U’s Diversity and Democracy, connects themes of teaching for a healthier, more aspirational democracy and protecting academic freedom.
Institute for Democracy & Higher Education
Speech, Inclusion, and Academic Freedom
Is academic freedom a right or a responsibility? What is the educational approach to balancing speech and inclusion?
Too often, speech and inclusion are described as a zero-sum game in which one trumps the other. That is not a given, especially if academic freedom is viewed not as a right but as a responsibility. Can we shift the conversation to a discussion of academic freedom as a collective duty, a responsibility inherent in the social contract between higher education and democracy?
Academic freedom entails the responsibility to study and teach disciplines, and to offer cocurricular programming, in ways that are publicly relevant and that inform discussions about the most pressing social, economic, and political challenges. Defending democracy means defending the academic freedom to examine and draw attention to the threats facing democracy.
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Article
Educating for Democracy in Undemocratic Contexts: Avoiding the Zero-Sum Game of Campus Free Speech Versus Inclusion
How do campuses avoid the trap of pitting inclusion against speech? Perhaps a focus on community and campuses as learning environments conducive to political learning, discourse, and participation is a place to start.
Report
The Case for Academic Freedom
This report examines Pompeo v. Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico, which involved a faculty member accused of discriminating against a student because of her political views.
Podcast Episode
Compact Nation: Implications of the Ruling in Pompeo v. Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico
IDHE Director Nancy Thomas speaks with Andrew Seligsohn, then president of Campus Compact on the implications of Pompeo v. Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico.
Monograph Chapter
The Politics of Academic Freedom
Excerpted from a monograph on the power of deliberative democracy across campuses, this chapter offers a summary of case law and specific examples of why academic freedom is essential to student learning and a democracy.
Talk About It
Guide
Free Speech and Inclusion on Campus: A Discussion Guide
Tested on multiple campuses and endorsed by NACUA, this guide offers a framework for discussion, viewpoints for consideration, facilitation tips, and a short primer on the First Amendment.
Bring IDHE to Your Campus
Whether virtually or in person, IDHE can visit your campus to lead a workshop on facilitating politically charged discussions, join a classroom or coalition discussion of ideas for change, or help assess your campus climate for political learning and participation. Contact us at [email protected] and let us know how we can help.