The tradition of the University as a sanctuary of academic freedom and center of informed discussion is an honored one, to be guarded vigilantly. The basic significance of that sanctuary lies in the protection of intellectual freedoms: the rights of professors to teach, of scholars to engage in the advancement of knowledge, of students to learn and to express their views, free from external pressures or interference. These freedoms can flourish only in an atmosphere of mutual respect, civility, and trust among teachers and students, only when members of the University community are willing to accept self-restraint and reciprocity as the condition upon which they share in its intellectual autonomy.
Academic freedom and the sanctuary of the University campus extend to all who share these aims and responsibilities. They cannot be invoked by those who would subordinate intellectual freedom to political ends, or who violate the norms of conduct established to protect that freedom. Against such offenders the University has the right, and indeed the obligation, to defend itself. We accordingly announce the following rules and regulations to be in effect at each of our colleges which are to be administered in accordance with the requirements of due process as provided in the Bylaws of the Board of Higher Education.
With respect to enforcement of these rules and regulations we note that the Bylaws of the Board of Higher Education provide that:
“THE PRESIDENT. The president, with respect to his/her education unit, shall:
a. Have the affirmative responsibility of conserving and enhancing the educational standards of the college and schools under his/her jurisdiction;
b. Be the advisor and executive agent of the Board of his/her respective College Committee and as such shall have the immediate supervision with full discretionary power in carrying into effect the Bylaws, resolutions, and policies of the Board, the lawful resolutions of any of its committees and the policies, programs and lawful resolutions of the several facilities;
c. Exercise general superintendence over the concerns, officers, employees, and students of his/her educational unit.”
