KCTCS Board of Regents Policies

2.9.1.2 Kentucky Community and Technical College System Academic Freedom Policy

It is the policy of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to maintain and encourage, within the law, full freedom in inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, and publication; and to protect members of the academic community against influences, from within or without, which will restrict them in the exercise of these freedoms in the faculty members’ areas of scholarly interest. Teachers and students will be permitted and encouraged to investigate any theory, challenge any premise, engage in political and social debate, and express their dissent without jeopardy to their academic careers, provided their behavior is not in violation of the law and does not interfere with the normal operation of the educational programs of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

In their roles as citizens, faculty members and students have the same freedoms as other citizens, without institutional censorship or discipline, although they should be mindful that accuracy, forthrightness, and dignity befit their association with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and their positions as persons of learning. When faculty members or students speak or write as citizens, they should indicate that they are not speaking for their college or the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

KCTCS faculty members who feel their rights have been violated may file an appeal through the KCTCS Senate Advisory Committee on Appeals as outlined in the KCTCS Policy Manual. Students who feel their rights have been violated may file an appeal through the proper channels as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct Handbook.