The struggle over Free Speech Rights in the University

For more than a century academics have had unique rights to speak, teach, and write freely. Central to the case of academic freedom is that scholars must be able to voice their views free of fear in order for society to gain a better understanding of ourselves and our world and to be effective teachers.

Academic freedom has always faced challenges. Professors have been pressed to alter their work because it offends powerful interests — both inside and outside the university. Some have been fired or denied jobs for their political views, their criticism of colleagues and administrators, and their refusal to buckle under corporate pressures to hush up research findings.

Together the contributors to this examine attempts to restrict academic freedom and explore its legitimate limits.

Published March 2014

Toronto: James Lorimer & Co.

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