Academic Freedom Policy

McNeese State University upholds the principle of academic freedom and complies with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Principles of Accreditation Standard 6.4 regarding academic freedom as well as Part Two, Chapter III, Section I of the University of Louisiana System Board Rules concerning the rights, duties, and responsibilities of academic staff.

Academic freedom ensures that faculty have the right to explore, research, and teach within their field of expertise according to their honest pursuit of truth. It also includes the right to speak, write, and act as private citizens outside of the University and the University of Louisiana System. However, these rights do not absolve faculty from the responsibilities and accountability they bear to McNeese State University, the UL System, the state, and the nation.

Faculty members who enjoy the privileges of academic freedom must refrain from requiring students or others to adopt a particular point of view on controversial issues as authoritative.

Employees must not use their affiliation with the University to promote personal opinions or viewpoints on academic or other matters.

Communication

This policy is distributed via the Academic Advisory Council and the University Policies webpage.