Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research. BSU is legally and ethically bound to respect academic freedom. Specifically, academic freedom is understood as the right of scholars in institutions of higher education freely to study, discuss, investigate, teach, exhibit, perform and publish. 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 in learning. The scholar is entitled to full freedom in research and in the exhibition, performance and publication of the results of their research, and to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, most specifically in the selection of their course materials and in the selection of texts. The scholar is entitled to discuss controversial issues.
The college or university teacher or librarian is a citizen and a member of a learned profession affiliated with an educational institution. When they speak, write, or express themself in any other fashion as a citizen, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. They should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others. They respect the free inquiry of their associates and avoid interference in their work.
As a state institution, BSU is also bound to the Massachusetts Constitution, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which guarantee freedom of speech and press, freedom of religion, and equal protection.
