Community Standards

Freedom of Speech & Open Expression

Union College is committed to the free and vigorous discussion of ideas and issues, which the College believes will be protected by this Policy. Union College is committed to protecting the academic freedom and freedom of expression of all members of the College community. This Policy shall be applied in a manner that protects the academic freedom and freedom of expression of all parties to a complaint. Academic freedom and freedom of expression include, but are not limited to, the expression of ideas, however controversial, in the classroom, residence hall, and, in keeping with different responsibilities, in workplaces elsewhere in the College community.

If the conduct in question is legally protected by academic freedom in accordance with the Academic Freedom Policy statement contained in the Faculty Manual (FM V.II), which is adapted from the AAUP “1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure,” it is incapable of legally creating a hostile environment in and of itself. To the extent allowed by applicable law, a determination of whether speech serves a pedagogical purpose is initially guided by the faculty speaker and his/her faculty peers (defined as members of the FEC).