In this gathering we discuss what Academic Freedom means for students. One definition is the freedom for students to learn, explore, and challenge ideas while building and sharing your own opinions is the foundation of what is called academic freedom.
The freedom to learn protects students from unfair treatment based on the student’s opinions and beliefs. It recognizes that student opinions are valuable and should be able to be expressed without fear of retribution. At the same time, the freedom to learn obligates students to follow class assignments and master course content, even if they disagree with it.
In exercising their academic freedom, educators should be aware of the moral and social consequences of their choices on students. In this session, we will explore opportunities, challenges, and dilemmas for academic freedom regarding our students. So let’s discuss the question of students permitted to protest on university campuses and do professors need to warn students about controversial or emotionally charged course materials?
Jeroen de Ridder is professor of Political Epistemology in the Faculty of Humanities at the Vrije Universiteit.