The College endorses the principle of Academic Freedom, desires to foster in its students a respect for differing points of view, and supports the faculty’s freedom to present controversial issues relating to topics in the classroom. It is the policy of MVCC to maintain and encourage full freedom, within the law, of discussion, inquiry, teaching, research, curriculum and program development, and evaluation and assessment. In the exercise of this freedom, faculty may, without limitation, discuss their subjects and contextual material in the classroom. In their roles as citizens, faculty have the same freedoms as other citizens. However, in the extramural utterances, they have an obligation to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution. The College may invite outside speakers representing diverse points of view. In return, it reserves the right to ensure that opportunity be provided to challenge these views.
The above statement is not subject to the contract grievance procedure. It may, however, be used in a dismissal proceeding as a defense.