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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

academic freedom

Neither tenure nor academic freedom protect professors who regularly violate their institution’s policies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

The leaders emphasized university policy: “The principles of academic freedom protect freedom of inquiry and research, freedom of teaching, and freedom of expression and publication.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

Vinita Prabhakar filed a federal lawsuit against South Florida State College President Fred Hawkins and the school’s board of trustees, arguing her dismissal violated her First Amendment rights and academic freedom.

From Salon ● Aug. 2, 2026

“Yale will be regarded either as a beacon and a fighter for academic freedom or as the weakling who succumbed and obeyed.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

The trial captured national attention and helped convince the public of the importance of academic freedom.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

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