Refer resolution and all amendments to Executive Committee for further research and report back by Fall 2023.
Add a Third Whereas
Whereas, Finkin and Post (2009) remind educators that “academic freedom consists of the freedom to pursue the scholarly profession according to the standards of that profession” [1] and professional ethics and responsibilities prohibit educators from weaponizing their right to academic freedom to create educational or work environments hostile to protected classes or diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism work.
Add a Fourth Whereas
Whereas, Joan W. Scott defines expertise as “the production of knowledge informed by disciplined research, [and] science in the public interest” and “the century-old notion of academic freedom insists on the expertise of scholars and the importance of expertise for advancing ‘the common good’” [2] academic freedom is necessary for public educators to successfully guide students to become publicly engaged citizens, critical thinkers, and future employees.
Amend First Resolved
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to revise California Code of Regulations Title 5 §51023 to include a definition for academic freedom and an explanation of the associated responsibilities and professional ethics needed by California community colleges to establish a standard for their curriculum and classrooms.
1. Post, R. C., Finkin, M. W. (2009). For the Common Good: Principles of American Academic Freedom. Ukraine: Yale University Press.
2. Scott, J. W. (2019). Knowledge, Power, and Academic Freedom. Columbia University Press. https://doi.org/10.7312/scot19046