Chapter 22: Issues of Academic Freedom

The premise for academic freedom is that it is basic to education, especially education in a democracy. John Dewey (1936) said it well: “Since freedom of mind and freedom of expression are the root of all freedom, to deny freedom in education is a crime against democracy” (p. 136).

Democracy requires an educated populace, an education well beyond rote memorization, indoctrination, or simple recitation. This education includes critical thinking, challenging the status quo, and reasoned examination of evidence.

Authoritarian, non-democratic governments need not provide academic freedom; indeed, they have good reason to fear it. Similarly, authoritarian leaders in communities and schools do not think they need it, and have reason to fear and to react with threats.