Academic and Research Freedom Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is deeply committed to upholding and protecting the principles of academic freedom. This includes the freedom of inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, scholarly activity, and publication. The university fosters an environment that supports intellectual independence, encourages diverse perspectives, and safeguards the right of all academic community members to explore, discuss, and disseminate knowledge without fear of censorship or retribution.

Purpose

This policy delineates the scope, rights, and responsibilities of academic freedom at An-Najah National University. It underscores the university's role in defending academic freedom as a cornerstone of higher education and a critical component of a democratic society. The policy affirms the university's commitment to the free pursuit of knowledge, its communication to students, peers, and the broader community, and the freedom to choose areas of research and to engage publicly in discourse related to one's scholarly work.

Scope

This policy applies to all faculty members, researchers, students, and university leadership at An-Najah National University. The scope of academic freedom varies according to one's role but uniformly supports the freedom to teach, research, publish, and engage in intellectual discourse within the boundaries of professional standards and ethical considerations.

Principles

Academic freedom at An-Najah National University is guided by the following principles:

1. Freedom of Teaching and Research: All university faculty and students have the right to teach, study, and conduct research freely, choosing their areas of inquiry without undue interference. This includes the freedom to publish and discuss their findings and to seek new knowledge and innovative approaches in their disciplines.
2. Public Discourse and Communication: Faculty and students have the right to speak and teach publicly about their research, academic work, and areas of expertise. The university supports their participation in public debates and the dissemination of knowledge to the broader community, fostering a culture of informed public engagement.
3. Non-Discrimination and Non-Intrusion: Academic freedom must be exercised without fear of discrimination or intrusion based on race, gender, religion, nationality, political affiliation, or any other personal characteristic. The university ensures that academic pursuits are free from biases and external pressures that could compromise the integrity of scholarly work.
4. Timeliness and Relevance: The university encourages timely and relevant academic discourse, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge and its dissemination are responsive to current societal needs and challenges while maintaining academic rigor and independence.
5. Confidentiality and Privacy: The university respects the confidentiality and privacy of academic work and communications, particularly in sensitive areas of research. It ensures that researchers have the freedom to conduct their work within secure and supportive environments.
6. Access to Resources: The university guarantees equitable access to educational resources, research facilities, and support services for all faculty, researchers, and students. This access is essential for the effective exercise of academic freedom and the advancement of scholarly work.
7. Support and Guidance: The university provides clear information and informed support regarding academic freedom policies, procedures, rights, and responsibilities. Faculty and students are encouraged to seek guidance on issues related to academic freedom and to report any concerns or violations.
8. Conduct and Complaints: The university maintains high standards of conduct for all educational programs and services. It has clear, written expectations for behavior and processes for handling complaints related to academic freedom. These processes are designed to be fair, transparent, and timely, ensuring that all parties are heard and that resolutions are consistent with the principles of academic freedom.

Procedures and Enforcement

1. Policy Implementation: University leadership, including department heads and deans, are responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that academic freedom is respected and upheld across all academic and research activities.
2. Reporting Violations: Any faculty member, researcher, or student who believes their academic freedom has been compromised may report the violation through established university channels. The university commits to investigating and addressing such reports promptly and fairly.
3. Training and Awareness: The university will conduct regular training and awareness programs to educate the academic community about the importance of academic freedom, their rights under this policy, and the proper channels for addressing any concerns.
4. Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective in protecting academic freedom at An-Najah National University. Amendments may be made as necessary to reflect changes in the academic environment or to strengthen protections for academic freedom.

Effective Date: December 12, 2018

Review Date: Jun 18, 2024