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Where’s the Line? A Civil Discussion of Academic Freedom and Political Activity

Where’s the Line? A Civil Discussion of Academic Freedom and Political Activity. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh August 2011.

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Where’s the Line? A Civil Discussion of Academic Freedom and Political Activity

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  1. Where’s the Line?A Civil Discussion of Academic Freedom and Political Activity University of Wisconsin Oshkosh August 2011

  2. Academic freedom and free speech require open, safe, civil and collegial campus environments grounded in reasoned inquiry, intellectual honesty, scholarly competence, and the pursuit of new knowledge. Richard H. Wells, Chancellor

  3. We are in a difficult time at UW Oshkosh and the state of Wisconsin. We hope this workshop will offer the chance to discuss the grey areas and the “ever-moving line” among issues involving academic freedom, exercised responsibly and political activities on campus Why now?

  4. Introduction • Civility • Academic Freedom • Political Activity • World Café • Case Study • Conclusion • Where do we go from here? Workshop Outline

  5. Civility Maintaining Civility in terms of Academic Freedom Free Speech Civic Engagement Civil Discourse

  6. Acknowledge other perspectives • Pay Attention • Listen • Be Inclusive • Show Respect • Be Agreeable • Give Constructive Criticism • Take Responsibility • Willingly Apologize • Don’t Gossip Keys to Civil Behavior

  7. Class rooms need to be safe places for group interaction • Free Exchange of Ideas • Comfortable espousing contrary viewpoints • Respect Reasoned Inquiry Civility in the Classroom

  8. Academic Freedom

  9. Academic freedom exists so that colleges and universities can and will be places for the robust exchange of ideas and free expression. It is “a constitutionally significant means to a constitutionally desired end”. Barnes, R.D. “Natural and Legal Guardians of Judicial Independence and Academic Freedom” Fordham Law Review, 2009

  10. It protects and empowers our professors’ freedom to teach, conduct research and collaboratively engage students on the issues of the day • It honors students’ freedom to learn without fear of retribution or ridicule Two Prongs of Academic Freedom

  11. To encourage independent thinking and create safe spaces for free expression and deliberation • To provide students with opportunities to examine public problems carefully • To identify or craft well-reasoned solutions after a respectful airing of diverse perspectives. Role of Instructor

  12. To articulate and defend their positions, • It is entirely appropriate for a professor to challenge strongly held viewpoints, even if the student suspects (or even knows) that the professor feels just as strongly. • Students do not have the right to avoid an educational experience because they are upset or their perspectives have been challenged by legitimate facts and ideas. Role of Student

  13. Political Activity

  14. University employees may not • engage in political campaign activities during your work time • solicit contributions or services for a political purpose while working • use state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time • advocate a particular position on a referendum • promote action on issues which have become highly identified as dividing issues between the candidates. UW Political Activity Policy

  15. As a private citizen, you are free to engage in political activities on your own time with your own resources. • UW Oshkosh is currently reviewing its policies and procedures related to hosting political events on campus. UWO Political Event Policies

  16. World Cafe

  17. Form groups (TBA) • Discuss case from the perspective of the teacher, student, parent or other “outsider” • Questions • One person at each table will remain at the table. The rest of the group will spread out so there is a representative at each table. • Discuss case with more additional information • Report Out Café Design

  18. Wrap up

  19. Where is the line between responsible and irresponsible academic freedom? • Who decides? • If it is determined the “line has been crossed, what is an appropriate response? • Others Areas to think about

  20. Teachers and students must always remain free to inquire, to study and to evaluate, to gain new maturity and understanding; otherwise our civilization will stagnate and die. U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren in 1957 (Sweeney v. State of New Hampshire)

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