Academic Freedom in the 21st Century
William G. Tierney and Vicente M. Lechuga
The NEA Higher Education Journal
Fall 2005
(full text)

The attainment of knowledge does not mean that knowledge is something floating in the ether waiting to be discovered. Knowledge is something that is created through the process of seeking truth. Academic freedom in universities allows professors to create and teach knowledge without being hindered by conflicting viewpoints. The Patriot Act, censorship of certain topics, the withholding of federal funds, and outside intrusions have all threatened the ability of professors to seek truth. Tierney and Lechuga explore these topics in the full text of this article. (Back to Academic Freedom)