Academic Freedom Policy | 2026-27 Academic Catalog

Meridian embraces the principles of academic freedom as outlined by the American Association of University Professors. Faculty, staff, and students are expected to support the expression of differences. This includes having the right to articulate and advocate positions which may be controversial, without concern for negative repercussions regarding student evaluation, discrimination, or disciplinary action. Academic freedom includes freedom of speech, writing, opinions, beliefs, research endeavors, and learning activities. Academic freedom is essential to the cultivation of self-awareness, collaboration, responsibility, creativity, and the development of vital democracy. Principles of academic freedom extend from the classroom, to research, and to the communication of learnings from one's research in the form of presentation and publications. Any concerns regarding academic freedom are resolved through the Grievance Procedure within the Conflict Resolution Process.