academic freedom

American  

noun

1. freedom of a teacher to discuss or investigate any controversial social, economic, or political problems without interference or penalty from officials, organized groups, etc.

2. freedom of a student to explore any field or hold any belief without interference from the teacher.

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academic freedom Cultural  

1. The right of teachers and students to express their ideas in the classroom or in writing, free from political, religious, or institutional restrictions, even if these ideas are unpopular.

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Etymology

Origin of academic freedom

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

Exceptions like these are necessary, as schools obviously can’t be neutral about the value of education, what counts as scholarly expertise or the importance of academic freedom.

From The Wall Street Journal

Creighton says that claims the government is crushing academic freedom are misplaced, and that his changes are aimed at shoring up confidence in Texas Tech so students will attend.

From The Wall Street Journal

Believing so — or poking fun at threats to academic freedom — causes concerned students to wonder whether university leaders are, in fact, prepared to meet this moment.

From Salon

The deal also reestablishes the research partnership between Cornell and the federal government while also maintaining the private school’s academic freedom and institutional autonomy, Kotlikoff said.

From The Wall Street Journal

She initiated legal action against the university for failing in its duty to protect her academic freedom and she submitted a "subject access request" demanding Sheffield Hallam hand over any relevant internal documents.

From BBC