Book looks at current conditions, recent developments of academic freedom

“Challenges to Academic Freedom” is a collection of work from contemporary academic scholars that shows the interconnectivity between free speech and academic integrity. Edited by Joseph C. Hermanowicz, professor of sociology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, this work contextualizes academic freedom in the world of post-secondary education.

Hermanowicz establishes the existing confusion about what professors have the defensible right to say or publish particularly as it relates to extramural forums like social media. In the United States, academic freedom is often confused with the constitutional freedom of speech, and while they are related, they are also distinct. Hermanowicz argues that academic freedom is not static, going against many historical views, stating that it is instead a “set of relational practices that change over time and place.”

“Challenges to Academic Freedom” pulls from the knowledge and experience of 13 scholars from a wide range of backgrounds and fields to examine the current conditions, and recent developments of academic freedom in the 21st century, encompassing current threats, administrative overreach, institutional review boards, extramural speech and many other relevant topics.