Academic Freedom

The concept of academic freedom is based on the idea that the free exchange of ideas on campus is essential to a good education. Specifically, academic freedom is the right of faculty members, acting both as individuals and as a collective, to determine without outside interference: (1) the college curriculum, (2) course content, (3) teaching, (4) student evaluation; and (5) the conduct of scholarly inquiry. These rights are supported by two institutional practices—shared governance and tenure. Academic freedom ensures that colleges and universities are "safe havens" for inquiry, places where students and scholars can challenge the conventional wisdom of any field—art, science, politics, or others. American Federation of Teachers.

Ban

The removal of materials from a library based on the objections of a person or group. American Library Association.

Censorship

Limiting or removing access to words, images, or ideas. The decision to restrict or deny access is made by a governing authority. This could be a person, group, or organization/business. Censorship by the government is illegal. American Library Association.

Challenge

An attempt to have a library resource removed, or access to it restricted, based on the objections of a person or group. American Library Association.

Free Speech

Freedom of speech is the right to articulate opinions and ideas without interference or retaliation from the government. The term “speech” encompasses expression that includes far more than just words; it also refers to what a person wears, reads, performs, protests, and more. California State University San Marcos LibGuide.

Intellectual Freedom
Intellectual freedom gives people the right to think for themselves. It respects individual dignity and self-rule. This freedom allows people to form their own ideas and opinions by questioning the world around them. Every person has the right to access information from all points of view, in all formats, and without restriction. Privacy is required for true intellectual freedom. Protection of this freedom assures every person’s right to form their own ideas and opinions. American Library Association.