The House Select Committee’s recommendations on academic freedom

By HAYLEY GRGURICH

Review existing policies to ensure that student rights are protected and that an accessible… Review existing policies to ensure that student rights are protected and that an accessible set of procedures is in place in case students wish to file claims concerning violations.

Increase student awareness of the existence of such procedures by introducing the policies during academic orientation and making the outline of grievance procedures available through the school’s Web site.

Allow students the option of voicing complaints to officials outside of their major if they so choose, particularly by using schools’ current diversity offices for this purpose.

Review the current course evaluation forms to ensure that ample options for students to report infringements on academic freedoms are available.

Keep records on file of any complaints concerning academic freedom violations.

Report the means by which the school endeavors to meet these recommendations to the House Education Committee’s Subcommittee on Higher Education by Nov. 1, 2008.