Academic Freedom for Faculty
PHSC supports the principles of academic freedom.
The College's faculty are free to present issues in the classroom that may be of a debatable or controversial nature, provided this is done objectively and in the spirit of academic inquiry, the topic is pertinent to the subject matter of the course, and the material is presented in good taste.
Faculty are encouraged to conduct research and publish materials, provided these activities do not interfere with the performance of assigned duties. Faculty are entitled to express opinions as citizens outside the classroom. However, the faculty should clearly indicate these are personal opinions that may not represent the viewpoint of the College. Faculty shall have the primary responsibility in the selection of textbooks, quality and effectiveness of the College's curriculum.
Academic Freedom for Students
The College recognizes that a thoughtful and reasoned search for truth can be conducted only in an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students are expected to respect the rights and welfare of all members of the College community, exercise common sense and good taste, and apply reasoning when testing their knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes.
Students are free to take reasonable exception to data and views offered in the classroom and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for satisfying the requirements of any course for which they are enrolled. So long as it is consistent with the goals and established policies of the College, the instructor has final authority in all matters relating to course content, grading practices and classroom procedures.
Students are free to present issues in the classroom that may be of a debatable or controversial nature and to debate issues raised by the faculty member, provided this is done objectively and in the spirit of academic inquiry, that the topic is pertinent to the subject matter of the course, and that the material is presented in good taste. Students should not suffer academic penalty as a result of exercising this freedom.
The president shall establish procedures for review of allegations by faculty or students regarding abridgment of academic freedom. These procedures shall, at a minimum, ensure fair and impartial review of the allegations and additional due process safeguards.