Regents refine their academic freedom policy

In a special, single-topic meeting Aug. 12, the Iowa Board of Regents approved three revisions (PDF) to its policy manual: two to the existing section on academic freedom and one to the existing section on notifying students of class content. The changes took effect immediately. 

After receiving feedback from a wide variety of constituents, the board removed a prohibition in required courses of content related to diversity, equity and inclusion and critical race theory. That language was in the initial proposal discussed at the board's June meeting.

Academic freedom

Instead, the approved language (Ch. 3.10.B) reads that "faculty may teach controversial subjects when they are relevant to the course content. Instruction should be presented in a manner that fosters critical thinking and avoids indoctrination of one perspective." Further, they should "present coursework in a way that reflects the range of scholarly views and ongoing debate in the field."

The second change, an addition (3.10.G), requires the three regent universities to have in place policies and procedures that "ensure all coursework meets these expectations." Every two years, the board staff will need to audit universities' policies, procedures and compliance with these standards.

Regent David Barker expressed satisfaction with the revised proposal.

"There isn't anything that shouldn't be taught. The point of this policy is to teach things in a balanced manner," Barker said. "If a controversial policy is taught, students should be informed it's controversial and have an understanding of both sides of it."

Syllabi, notifying students on course content

An addition to chapter 3.20 affirms that student grades should reflect their "mastery of course content and skills," not their disagreement with a particular viewpoint -- either in class or their homework.

The board's chief academic officer, Rachel Boon, said she and executive director Mark Braun are collecting existing policies and procedures relevant to these policy changes from the three universities, and have asked about plans to update or clarify, or develop new ones, as needed.

Board president Sherry Bates said the changes take an "all-encompassing approach" to academic freedom and course content. She said the board will conduct an audit of any alleged violations of the policy and act if necessary.

"If the board office audit determines the policy is not being followed, I will not be passive in addressing the problem. I will set up a task force of board members to correct the situation and ensure compliance with the policy," she said. "Ensuring that our students can learn and think for themselves is paramount to our mission."

Regent Nancy Dunkel cast the lone dissenting vote to the policy changes, arguing they don't clarify academic freedom, they restrict it. She expressed concern for the potential impact on academic freedom, including an expectation that faculty present both sides of every issue, which might include evolution, capitalism or the Holocaust.

Amendment fails

By a 6-2 vote, the regents rejected a proposed addition to the academic freedom section by Barker to guarantee that students have "access to a clear, confidential and timely process to report concerns that instruction is not meeting these standards. Institutions must investigate complaints promptly, report complaints to the board and take corrective action when warranted."

He emphasized the importance of student confidentiality, as well as their option to bring their complaints directly to the board. Other regents, board staff and the three university provosts said academic grievance processes already exist -- and work pretty well at resolving issues, typically at the department or college level. The board's role in those processes is as the final appellate body.