Policy 6110A

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Effective Date
January 1970
Last Revision Date
June 2026
Policy Owner
Chief Academic Officer 

1. Policy & Purpose 

Western Wyoming Community College affirms that academic freedom is essential to the pursuit of truth, the advancement of knowledge, and the fulfillment of its mission. The College is committed to fostering an environment where faculty, staff, and students may teach, learn, study, research, and engage in open inquiry without censorship or undue restraint. 

Academic freedom extends to: 

  • The freedom of faculty to teach, discuss, and publish findings consistent with their disciplines and professional responsibilities.
  • The freedom of students to learn, question, and express differing viewpoints respectfully.
  • The freedom of all members of the College community to participate in public affairs, consistent with their rights and obligations as citizens. 

This freedom carries with it corresponding responsibilities: accuracy, respect for diverse perspectives, professional integrity, and the faithful discharge of duties. Faculty and staff should make clear when they speak as private citizens that they do not represent the College. 

This policy is consistent with the protections of the First Amendment and the principles of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). 

Last Review Date: June 2026

History
Adopted: January 28, 1970
Adopted: November 19, 1981
Adopted: November 21, 1985
Reformatted: May 5, 2010
Revised: June 11, 2026

Procedure 6110A

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Effective Date
January 1970
Last Revision Date
June 2026
Procedure Owner
Chief Academic Officer 

1. Procedure

For the purposes of this policy, academic freedom is defined to include the following rights and responsibilities for faculty, staff, and students: 

  • Instructional Materials – The right to select and use materials appropriate to the subject and the learning outcomes of the course consistent with College standards and policies.
  • Controversial Issues – The right to teach, learn, and inquire about issues of economic, political, scientific, artistic, or social significance, while presenting diverse perspectives and fostering critical thinking.
  • Classroom Environment – The right to maintain a learning environment that supports free, respectful exchange of ideas, where divergent views may be expressed within the norms of academic discourse.
  • Faculty as Citizens – The right of faculty to express personal views as private citizens, with the professional responsibility to present balanced perspectives in the classroom and to distinguish personal opinion from institutional positions.
  • Research and Scholarship – The right of faculty to pursue independent research, publication, creative activity, and vocational expertise, provided these do not interfere with assigned College responsibilities and adhere to standards of academic integrity.
  • Public Engagement – The right of faculty and staff to participate in civic, professional, and community activities, provided such involvement does not interfere with College responsibilities or violate College policies.
  • Student Expression – The right of students to hold and express divergent ideas, provided such expression follows standards of respectful debate and does not disrupt the learning environment or infringe on the rights of others.
  • Limitations – Academic freedom does not protect expression that constitutes unlawful discrimination, harassment, threats, or conduct that substantially disrupts the College’s operations. 

Last Review Date: June 2026

History
Adopted: January 8, 1970
Adopted: November 19, 1981
Adopted: November 21, 1985
Approved: August 11, 1988
Reformatted: May 5, 2010
Revised: June 11, 2026