Freedom of speech and academic freedom on campus: why it matters and how its being threatened

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Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom on Campus
In his presentation Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom on Campus: Why It Matters, and How It’s Being Threatened CITATION Vol16 l 1033 (Volokh), Eugene Volokh addresses the idea of what might be considered ‘odious’ or ‘insensitive’ discourse and their correlation to academic freedom and the First Amendment. Volokh argues that academic freedom on campus is threatened through censoring or restriction of certain subject matters that are considered insensitive to particular individuals or groups. He explores instances where academic freedom is challenged due to the reactions from individuals who feel the encompassing issue being addressed might be or is offensive CITATION Vol16 l 1033 (Volokh). Volokh states that academic freedom is no just a concept but an important tool for effective teaching students and learning thereof. Volokh points out that the need to be politically correct to protect the value of inclusion and tolerance has contributed to speech codes in institutions that attract punishment if violated. He claims restrictions set by campuses to prevent presentation of issues that might be subsequently interpreted as belligerent by a certain group is a violation of academic freedom and therefore a limitation of free speech. Volokh also asserts the academic freedom principle that only notions or ideas that can be challenged are credible. He further expounds that we cannot be certain of the well-established truths that we have profound views upon hence the need for debates and academic freedom CITATION Vol16 l 1033 (Volokh).

Volokh concludes that academic freedom and free speech are being threatened in learning institutions and should be protected despite the ensuing criticism.
Volokh’s presentation is thought-provoking in that it prompts deep opinions about academic freedom and incendiary discourse that might be considered intolerant. To a certain extent, I agree with Volokh’s stance on the issue that academic freedom should be protected in higher learning institutions. Academic freedom is an important pillar in education as it ensures for productive and effective training and learning experience for both scholars and learners. If suppressed, as Volokh points out in the case where literature that tackles past racial injustices towards black people was removed from curriculum to protect the safe space of the minority group CITATION Vol16 l 1033 (Volokh); it inhibits effective teaching and learning on campuses. I also agree with Volokh’s that any well-established truth should have grounds to be challenged for it to be credible. Academic freedom allows for different academic issues to be addressed whether they are sensitive subject matters or not which sanctions production of cutting-edge findings. Academic freedom and free speech matter especially in a learning institution which aims at making complex assessment and discoveries in education and societal concepts. In spite of that Volokh’s stance seems to neglect the magnitude at which limitless academic freedom affects students and faculty that belong to minority groups that are prone to frequent prejudice and marginalization.
Volokh’s presentation amplifies the concept of academic freedom by stating it allows for any manner of discourse regardless, as it is to a certain degree within the freedom of speech. However, this is fallacious as free speech and academic freedom are two different concepts. The actual idea behind academic freedom is that it has boundaries that rather confine it to certain specifics CITATION Ols09 l 1033 (Olson). The first being that an institution has the right to model its academic undertakings and curriculum without legislative intrusion. The second being that the members of the institutions can engage in controversial discourse in their research and teaching spaces without any sort of repercussion CITATION Ols09 l 1033 (Olson). The second concept is however why I disagree with Volokh’s stance in that academic freedom allows for discourse that is within the limits of the academic disciplines and not just any form of speech in any setting on campus. For instance, Volokh’s tolerance of bigoted statement towards Hispanic students, because they are illegal immigrants or children of thereof, is not or should not be protected by academic freedom. Academic freedom has frequently been used to excuse discriminatory actions that include misogyny, racial insensitivity, and irresponsible acts towards colleagues and faculty CITATION Ols09 l 1033 (Olson). Academic freedom is meant to open scholarly dialogue between members of the institutions to teach, learn, and make social commentary on sensitive subjects and not create a platform for hate speech.
Campuses are meant to be institutions that promote inclusion and tolerance, and anything that can be above that should be purely academic and not just personal opinions or agendas. I disagree with Volokh’s assessment that free speech on campuses should be protected regardless of the consequences. Learning institutions have the obligation of creating a sense of community within campuses and hence speech codes are important at limiting aggressive public discourse that is out of the academic realm. The message communicated on campus ground is often misread as representing the values of the entire institution which can threaten the concept of inclusion and diversity if the discourse is offensive to a portion of the members. Furthermore, to promote dialogue that is outside of academic limits, the discourse should play on a different set of speech codes that take into consideration the context and intention of the message being conveyed. The message should be conveyed on the right platform and format to prevent intentionally attacking or triggering reactions from parties that might be affronted.
Works Cited
BIBLIOGRAPHY Olson, Gary A. “The Limits of Academic Freedom.” The Chronicle of Higher Education (2009). Web. 09 January 2018.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Volokh, Eugene. “Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom on Campus: Why It Matters and How It’s Being Threatened.” YouTube, uploaded by University of California Television (UCTV), 30 Aug. 2016. Web. 09 January 2018.