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The system’s definition has received mixed feedback, with the likes of the AAUP and the ACLU saying it is too vague and could actually lead to more restrictions on speech.
“The academic freedom policy here does not define ‘political activity’ or ‘pedagogical connection,’ rendering it likely unconstitutionally vague and overbroad. There are many ways a faculty member may find themselves teaching content beyond the course description that could involve the expression of a political viewpoint — during a robust discussion guided by students, for example,” a recent letter from ACLU of North Carolina reads.
“The policy seems to require faculty members to abruptly cut off genuine intellectual curiosity and academic discourse simply because it may touch on relevant subjects outside the course description. … Faculty and students alike must be free to express their views. We urge the Board of Governors to reaffirm the necessity of defending speech and academic freedom.”
The university system has championed the policy specifically because it creates clear guidelines on what behavior is and isn’t protected by academic freedom. Hatcher acknowledged this and other aspects of the policy might seem appropriate but that expertise and academic training should be what decides what is taught and researched, not policies such as this one.
“It should never actually be any administrator’s role to come in and say what can and cannot be taught,” Hatcher said. “So it kind of looks OK on paper, but the crux of it is that it’s paving the way for censorship in North Carolina that’s actually faster than Texas, Florida, Oklahoma.”
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David English told reporters the policy was driven by faculty and staff and they were able to incorporate almost all of the Faculty Assembly’s feedback, but he knows in an organization as large as the UNC System, not everybody will agree. Despite concerns from protesters that the changes made between January and February’s meetings were done so outside of the typical order, he and Tripp said proper measures were taken.
“We’re thankful for those that came today to share their voice, to share their passion and that they engaged in a respectful way which demonstrates the type of discourse and debate that we’re looking to foster in the UNC System,” he said.
Chair of the Board Wendy Murphy, who wrote a column for the News & Observer this week on why increases were on the table, told reporters she is concerned the increases will be burdensome for North Carolinians, but the university system ultimately has to focus on affordability and sustainability. She emphasized it will not affect current students, who will continue to pay the price of tuition as it was upon their enrollment.
The motion passed with just one negative vote from prominent board member and former state representative Art Pope who has served in the role since 2020.
Pope specifically opposed the raising of undergraduate in-state tuition, citing current financial strain on North Carolinians and decreased income since stimulus payments from the pandemic ended in 2022. He voted against tuition increases but in favor of fee increases.
“Everybody understands the rising costs that we’ve all experienced even in our households,” Murphy said.
“But the board has done a lot of work with President Hans on cutting administrative jobs and we’ve looked at the way they’re doing things on campuses and we’ve created the best practices and efficiencies and we’ll continue to do that, but we’ve got to maintain what everyone expects from the university system.”
“The academic freedom policy here does not define ‘political activity’ or ‘pedagogical connection,’ rendering it likely unconstitutionally vague and overbroad. There are many ways a faculty member may find themselves teaching content beyond the course description that could involve the expression of a political viewpoint — during a robust discussion guided by students, for example,” a recent letter from ACLU of North Carolina reads.
“The policy seems to require faculty members to abruptly cut off genuine intellectual curiosity and academic discourse simply because it may touch on relevant subjects outside the course description. … Faculty and students alike must be free to express their views. We urge the Board of Governors to reaffirm the necessity of defending speech and academic freedom.”
The university system has championed the policy specifically because it creates clear guidelines on what behavior is and isn’t protected by academic freedom. Hatcher acknowledged this and other aspects of the policy might seem appropriate but that expertise and academic training should be what decides what is taught and researched, not policies such as this one.
“It should never actually be any administrator’s role to come in and say what can and cannot be taught,” Hatcher said. “So it kind of looks OK on paper, but the crux of it is that it’s paving the way for censorship in North Carolina that’s actually faster than Texas, Florida, Oklahoma.”
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David English told reporters the policy was driven by faculty and staff and they were able to incorporate almost all of the Faculty Assembly’s feedback, but he knows in an organization as large as the UNC System, not everybody will agree. Despite concerns from protesters that the changes made between January and February’s meetings were done so outside of the typical order, he and Tripp said proper measures were taken.
“We’re thankful for those that came today to share their voice, to share their passion and that they engaged in a respectful way which demonstrates the type of discourse and debate that we’re looking to foster in the UNC System,” he said.
Landmark tuition increases
In addition to defining academic freedom, the university system voted to raise tuition for the first time since 2017. Most universities will raise undergraduate, in-state tuition by 3%. Exceptions include Appalachian State University and UNC-Asheville which will only be raised by 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively. Winston-Salem State University will also not raise undergraduate in-state tuition at all, and the universities in the NC Promise program will continue to see their tuition set by the legislature.Chair of the Board Wendy Murphy, who wrote a column for the News & Observer this week on why increases were on the table, told reporters she is concerned the increases will be burdensome for North Carolinians, but the university system ultimately has to focus on affordability and sustainability. She emphasized it will not affect current students, who will continue to pay the price of tuition as it was upon their enrollment.
The motion passed with just one negative vote from prominent board member and former state representative Art Pope who has served in the role since 2020.
Pope specifically opposed the raising of undergraduate in-state tuition, citing current financial strain on North Carolinians and decreased income since stimulus payments from the pandemic ended in 2022. He voted against tuition increases but in favor of fee increases.
“Everybody understands the rising costs that we’ve all experienced even in our households,” Murphy said.
“But the board has done a lot of work with President Hans on cutting administrative jobs and we’ve looked at the way they’re doing things on campuses and we’ve created the best practices and efficiencies and we’ll continue to do that, but we’ve got to maintain what everyone expects from the university system.”
