Title: Survey Reveals Concerns Over Academic Freedom Among College Faculty

Title: Survey Reveals Concerns Over Academic Freedom Among College Faculty

In an era where more states are enacting legislation limiting what colleges and universities can teach, a substantial portion of faculty members believe their academic freedom is waning. This conclusion originates from a recent national survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and the American Association of University Professors, with funding from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.

Some of the survey's noteworthy findings reveal that over one-third of faculty members currently feel they have less academic freedom than they did in the past, particularly in these areas:

1. Teaching content without interference (35%)
2. Speaking freely as citizens (36%)
3. Speaking freely while participating in institutional governance (38%)

These concerns seem to escalate with an extension of time at the current institution. Faculty members who joined in 2017 or earlier were more likely to express a decline in academic freedom compared to those who joined in 2018 or later.

This survey, conducted between December 2023 and February 2024, polled 8,458 faculty members of various ranks, disciplines, and institutions across the United States. The findings draw parallels to a similar study designed during the McCarthy era by Columbia University sociologist Paul Lazarsfeld, highlighting both progress and persisting concerns.

To delve deeper into the survey's findings, it's worth noting that over half of today's faculty (53%) are concerned about expressing their scholarly beliefs regarding the world. Restrictions perceived in various areas include:

1. Discussions in faculty and department meetings (36%) and on social media (33%)
2. Content of courses (24%)
3. Public or professional presentations (19%)
4. Topics researched or conclusions presented (14%)

Furthermore, compared to their experiences six or seven years ago, or when they first joined their current institution:

1. 53% are more worried about online harassment as potential repercussions for their beliefs and activities
2. 34% are concerned about unauthorized recording of lectures or discussions
3. 47% believe students may inadvertently or intentionally share their ideas out of context
4. 34% have at times been cautious about expressing a political view expressed in class, for fear of negative professional consequences
5. Nearly half have avoided expressing an opinion or partaking in activities that may attract negative attention from external audiences

Many faculty members perceive limitations in addressing controversial topics. For example:

1. Half of them think their colleagues are more cautious today in selecting topics when revising curricula
2. Faculty colleagues are reluctant to express controversial views in courses, on social media, or at professional conferences
3. Over 60% observe a tendency to avoid controversial topics at informal campus events or social gatherings

Instructors may alter their language due to the fear of causing controversy, while some refrain from discussing politically divisive topics with colleagues. However, the majority of faculty members support open discussions of controversial topics, believing there is educational value in doing so. They advocate for diverse perspectives and civil disagreement, and the majority encourage this practice in their classrooms.

Although most faculty members perceive their administration supports academic freedom, they turn to faculty colleagues and disciplinary societies more for support in the face of controversy. This reluctance may stem from their beliefs that administration faces increasing external pressure to avoid negative publicity, with trustees, regents, legislators, funders, or donors exerting influence. Only a small percentage of faculty members feel that most students or administrators would support them in the event of controversy.

The survey concludes with a strong emphasis on civil discourse as fundamental to higher education, emphasizing that it fosters critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration. The report recommends five key strategies to promote civil discourse, including emphasis on the integration of skills across domains of life.

In conclusion, the current trends and issues impacting academic freedom in U.S. colleges and universities are shaped by a multitude of internal and external factors. From DEI initiatives to free speech concerns, budget cuts, and faculty activism, the landscape is complex and evolving. Understanding these challenges is essential to preserving and promoting academic freedom in higher education.

1. The American Association of Colleges and Universities and the American Association of University Professors, in their recent survey, found that the Norc at the University of Chicago conducted the poll, revealing that 53% of college faculty are concerned about expressing their scholarly beliefs due to potential restrictions.
2. The survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and the American Association of University Professors also highlighted the concern among faculty members about limiting discussions on controversial topics in academic settings, such as faculty meetings and social media, with 36% and 33% expressing worry, respectively.
3. The American Association of Colleges and Universities and the American Association of University Professors' survey showed that some faculty members, particularly those who joined before 2018, believe their academic freedom has decreased in regards to teaching content without interference, speaking freely as citizens, and speaking freely while participating in institutional governance.

Read also: