233 -- General Politics of Academic Freedom in the United States

Abstract Academic freedom is essential to the foundation of any education especially within a Democratic society. Allowing for an environment and format for the exchange of ideas can create and develop the opinions of students, and even professors. In order for students to learn, all ideas must be understood, and more importantly, it allows for new ideas to develop. Academic censorship challenges the development of society and can infringe individuals’ personal autonomy, although it is important to note that there is a line with freedom of speech in the classroom. Speech that derails from an educational purpose and is simply offensive should never be tolerated. There has to be a balance struck between the necessity of academic freedom and also professional accountability in order for education goals to be met. Although some freedom of speech should be suppressed, academic censorship in addition, should have it's limits. This poster will examine the general strengths and weaknesses, and the controversial and political nature pertaining to academic freedom within the democratic United States.