ARTICLE 4
Academic Freedom

Section A. Policy. It shall be the policy of the MnSCU to maintain and encourage full freedom, within the law, of inquiry, teaching, and research. The Employer shall not discriminate against a faculty member for engaging in political activities or holding or voicing political views, so long as the exercise of this right does not interfere with responsibilities as a faculty member.

Section B. Prohibition. The Employer agrees not to use any mechanical or electronic listening or recording devices except with the faculty member’s express consent, and to inform the IFO if that consent is given; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to preclude the recording and/or transcription by court reporter of formal proceedings, including arbitration, where a record or minutes are customarily maintained. Both the Employer and the IFO agree that neither may unilaterally record or transcribe, by court reporter, contract negotiation sessions or grievance meetings, including those at the universities, without the written consent of the other party.

Section C. Faculty Rights, Responsibilities and Obligations. In the exercise of academic freedom, the faculty member may, without limitation, discuss his/her own subject in the classroom; he/she may not, however, claim as his/her right the privilege of persistently discussing in the classroom any matter which has no relation to the course subject. In extramural utterances, the faculty member has an obligation to not represent himself/herself as an institutional spokesperson, unless so designated by the President.

Section D. Research and Publication. A faculty member is entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of results, so long as he/she fulfills the requirements of his/her other academic duties.