Contract

Between CCFT & the Cabrillo Community College District
July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010

Article 4
Academic Freedom

• 4.1 Cabrillo College District recognizes that academic freedom provides a foundation for intellectual stimulation and development, and academic success in the teaching environment. The District also recognizes that academic freedom is fundamental to the protection of teachers' and students' rights.
• 4.2 Academic Freedom and Protection
  • 4.2.1 Academic freedom encompasses the freedom to study, teach and express ideas, including unpopular or controversial ones, without censorship, political restraint or retribution. Academic freedom allows for the free exchange of ideas in the conscientious pursuit of truth.
  • 4.2.2 Protecting academic freedom is the responsibility of the college community. In a climate of openness and mutual respect, the college protects and encourages the exchange of ideas which are presented in the spirit of free and open dialogue.
• 4.3 Professional Autonomy
  Faculty members have the principal right and responsibility to determine the methods of instruction, the planning and presentation of course materials, and the fair and equitable methods of assessment in their assignment in accordance with the approved curriculum, course outline, educational mission of the District, District policies, requirements of accreditation bodies, and state and federal laws and regulations.
• 4.4 Professional Commitments and Obligations
  All faculty members should:
  • 4.4.1 Conduct a classroom environment that is conducive to student learning, growth, and development in which students are free from discrimination, prejudice, and harassment and in which students are free to express relevant ideas and opinions.
  • 4.4.2 Clearly differentiate to students the expression of a faculty member’s personal opinions or convictions from the objective presentation of theory, fact, or ideas.
  • 4.4.3 Adhere to District procedures for using approved materials and resources.
• 4.5 Employment by the District does not in any way restrict or limit the First Amendment right enjoyed by faculty as members of their communities. Faculty members are free to speak and write publicly on any issue, as long as they do not indicate they are speaking for the institution.
• 4.6 Alleged violations of this Article 4 shall be subject to Article 12, Grievance Procedure, as provided in this section.
• 4.6.1 A grievance may be initiated according to sections 12.1 through 12.4.1.4 (through Level I -- Informal Resolution).
• 4.6.2 Level IA - Academic Freedom Review Committee: If the grievant is not satisfied with the decision at Level I, the grievant may within ten (10) days of receipt of the decision at Level I appeal the decision on the appropriate form to the Academic Freedom Review Committee ("AFRC"), via timely delivery to the Vice President, Instruction, with a copy to the immediate supervisor(s) involved. The statements shall include a copy of the original grievance and a concise statement of the reasons for the appeal.
• 4.6.3 The AFRC shall be comprised of the Academic Senate President/designee, CCFT Grievance Officer, a CCFT unit member selected by the grievant, Dean/designee, Vice President, Instruction/designee, and Dean of Student Services/designee.
• 4.6.4 Within ten (10) days of receipt of the appeal, the AFRC shall meet to consider the appeal. The AFRC shall make every effort to issue its report within this ten (10) day period. In any event, the AFRC's report shall be issued to the grievant and any immediate supervisor(s) involved within twenty (20) days of receipt of the appeal.
• 4.6.5 If the grievant is not satisfied with the resolution of the grievance as recommended in the AFRC report, the grievant may within ten (10) days of receipt of the report appeal on the appropriate form to the Superintendent/ President, Level II (section 12.4.2) of the Grievance Procedure shall thereafter be followed, provided that a copy of the AFRC report shall be included in the appeal to the Superintendent/President (and to the Governing Board if the grievant appeals the Level II decision under section 12.4.3.7).

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