Academic Freedom
In 2008, Charles Sturt University's Council asked Academic Senate to review its position on Academic Freedom. In response to this request Charles Sturt University's (CSU's) Academic Senate has reaffirmed that:
The principle of free inquiry is fundamental to the ethos of this university. CSU's Academic Senate continues to strongly encourage and support academic freedom of both enquiry and expression. Where debates or concerns about academic freedom cannot be resolved by existing processes, these matters shall be referred to Academic Senate for facilitation, clarification or arbitration, as appropriate.
Charles Sturt University (CSU) recognises that it is important for public debate to be properly informed by the findings of academic research, critical interpretation and scholarly inquiry. At times, exercising the freedoms of inquiry and public debate can expose academics to threats or persecution. For this reason, CSU undertakes to support staff members who pursue these freedoms with scholarly integrity and within the framework of the University's policies. This does not necessarily mean that CSU will endorse the views staff express, but it does mean that CSU will defend the rights of CSU staff to undertake a responsible, unbiased and honest search for, and dissemination of, knowledge and truth.
The responsibility of Charles Sturt University to maintain and extend academic inquiry or academic freedom is a fundamental responsibility established under the University statute. The right to freedom of intellectual inquiry and associated responsibilities are referred to in:
- the CSU Code of Conduct for Staff (Section 3)
- the Generic Responsibilities of CSU Staff (Section 4)
- the Policy on Standards, Expectations and Qualifications of Academic Staff (Section 3)
- the CSU policy on the governance and management of media relations within the University
Awareness of policies on freedom of intellectual inquiry is supported by the CSU Induction and Development Program, the Academic Staff Probation Policy and Academic Staff Probation Procedures.
The CSU Enterprise Agreement 2010-2012 also refers to academic freedom and associated rights and duties.