IA NEWSLETTER ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTING "FREE SPEECH" ISSUES AT SBCC:
Published in IA Newsletter of April 2011.

District Policy on Speech and Academic Freedom:

The IA is encouraging the district to revise and update policies related to academic freedom, free speech, and electronic communications.  Our current administration recognizes the need to revise current policies related to free speech, and has submitted a draft to the academic senate of a newly proposed BP 3900 and AP 3900 on "Speech - Time, Place, and Manner".  The IA’s legal counsel has prepare its own draft on “Speech and Academic Freedom”, which will be forwarded on to the Senate for its consideration.  The administration, understandably, takes a more conservative view towards academic free speech on campus.  The IA takes a more liberal view towards the rights that faculty, staff, and students should share on campus.  It will be important that all members of the SBCC Academic Community participate in the principles of shared governance as we develop these new policies. 

Such policies have a great impact on our working environment.  A few pertinent issues that these new policies will address are (a) our ability to function as faculty in communicating our ideas to each other and to students, (b) restrictions to our clothing and other forms of passive expression that support political causes or ideals, (c) the extent to which we may participate in local elections that impact SBCC, (d) the extent to which faculty and staff may participate in political functions or demonstrations on campus, and (e) our ability to share ideas and discuss openly with each other on campus political issues of importance to our college community.

College campuses have a history of being on the forefront of free speech and civil liberty issues and movements.  What type of school do we want to be?  As important issues that define our time and culture surface, shall we promote civil activism and community involvement, or will we play it safe and take the back seat.   The IA encourages everyone to get involved.  Talk to your senate representatives regarding your views associated with these issues.  If this matter to you, it will be important that your voice be heard. 

Erin O’Connor
IA Board Member / Grievance Officer