JoinSociety for College Science Teachers: Is Academic Freedom a Threat to Teaching Introductory Science?
As academics we value different viewpoints, the right and need to pursue scholarly interests, and the importance of discussing controversial topics as a means of engaging students, promoting critical thinking, and helping students mature intellectually. The concept of academic freedom was developed to allow for such pursuits. However, academic freedom cannot be a reason to reject efforts at making instruction more effective or efficient.