Thoughts on an Academic Freedom Reader

One facet of the Eastern Washington University difficult dialogues project is to create an Academic Freedom Reader. Here are some preliminary thoughts on the content of the reader.

Academic Freedom Reader – Possible Elements

From the Faculty Values Statement, adopted January 2004

“We the faculty of Eastern Washington University agree that the following values make university life meaningful and possible:

“Academic Freedom: Faculty members should enjoy the right to express views, teach, and conduct research without fear of retribution of censure….”

Introduction: Overview of Difficult Dialogues, Faculty Values Statement and Committee, Purpose for the Reader

Table of Contents

1. Commentary at KEWU – Renaissance Florence analogy
-- history of the program
-- a sampler of faculty stories, poetry, and opinions from the show

2. Recent Events

a. Savage Bricks Controversy

b. A Brief History of the Ward Churchill Crisis
-- overview
-- newspaper articles, Easterner and Spokesman Review
-- position papers, Faculty Values resolution
-- a primer on academic freedom and outside threats
- separate topic?
- include Eastern’s own rules about threats to academic freedom

3. An Overview of Academic Freedom and Threats on Campuses Today


4. Bibliography of Great Films, Plays, and Books on Freedom of Speech
-- Inherit the Wind, The Crucible
-- The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail
-- Walden Pond

5. Anthology of Important Statements from the Past on Free Speech

6. Articles by Faculty, Staff, and Students – and Campus Talks by Others
-- Rik Orndorf essay
-- Bill Youngs on Alien and Sedition Acts
-- Commencement Speakers
-- Lani Guinier