Academic Senate
Resolution: 02/03-04
Procedure:
1. A motion should
be typed or hand-printed.
2. A motion should first be offered to the
Executive Board for review and advice on editing an parliamentary implications.
3. If changes are necessary, the motion should
be recopied on another form. Amendments may be indicated in the margin or
on the reverse of this form.
WHEREAS, Eric J. Heikkila’s
recent white paper “Assessing the Impacts of ‘9/11’ on our Academic Community”
raised issues related to academic freedom, tolerance, civil discourse, and
responsible dissent following last year’s national tragedy on September 11;
WHEREAS, the attacks of
September 11 have threatened tolerance and academic freedom within the academic
community;
WHEREAS, the Academic
Senate’s Constitution outlines the purpose and role of the Senate to strive to
safeguard academic freedom, contribute to the intellectual vitality of the
University, and determine positions on faculty status, responsibilities and
welfare;
WHEREAS, the faculty of the
University of Southern California strongly supports the American Association of
University Professor’s 1940 “Statement of Principles
on Academic Freedom and Tenure” which states: “Institutions
of higher education are conducted for the common good and not to further the
interest of either the individual teacher or the institution as a whole. The
common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition.”
BE IT RESOLVED
THAT, USC has a Solemn duty to protect academic freedom and civil discourse in
the classroom and across campus, particularly in this time of heightened
concern for national security.
Resolution
Number: 02/03-04 Motion
by: Executive Board
Date: December 4, 2002 (No second required when moved by
committee)
To be presented at Senate meeting held: January 15, 2003
Action taken: 22
in favor, no opposed, no abstentions