A.        Western Carolina University is dedicated to the transmission and advancement of knowledge and understanding. Academic freedom is essential to the achievement of these purposes. This institution therefore supports and encourages freedom of inquiry for faculty members and students to the end that they may responsibly pursue these goals through teaching, learning, research, discussion, and publication, free from internal and external restraints that would unreasonably restrict their academic endeavors.

B.        Western Carolina University shall support faculty and students in their responsible exercise of the freedom to teach, to learn, and otherwise to seek and speak the truth.  It is the policy of Western Carolina University to support and encourage full freedom, within the law, of inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, and publication for all members of this institution's academic staff. Members of the faculty are expected to recognize that accuracy, forthrightness, and dignity befit their association with this institution and their position as men and women of learning. They should not represent themselves, without authorization, as spokespersons for Western Carolina University.

C.        Western Carolina University shall not penalize or discipline members of the University because of the exercise of academic freedom in the lawful pursuit of their respective areas of scholarly and professional interest and responsibility.

D.        Faculty and students of this institution shall share in the responsibility for maintaining an environment in which academic freedom flourishes and in which the rights of each member of the academic community are respected.