An Environment of Academic Freedom

The University of Massachusetts Amherst strives to create an environment of academic freedom that fosters the personal and intellectual development of all community members. To do this, the University protects the rights of all students, faculty, and staff to explore new ideas and to express their views. A necessary condition for these pursuits is an acceptance of the spirit of inquiry and a respect for diverse ideas and viewpoints. For true academic freedom to exist, this acceptance and respect must exist in both the overall campus environment and in the classroom. 

The University preserves a high standard for community members in terms of mutual respect and civility. While each member of the community holds several rights, privileges, and responsibilities, those individuals who disrespect the rights of others or who act in a way that discredits themselves or the University may forfeit privileges or receive sanctions. As members of an academic community, we are obligated to be exemplary, both in our behaviors and in our attitudes. This obligation is especially important within the classroom context since this is one of the primary ways that learning, and growth, are fostered.