Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom

Northern Illinois University is committed to freedom of expression and academic freedom for its faculty and students.

NIU Statement on Freedom of Expression

NIU Statement on Academic Freedom

Academic freedom and freedom of expression are related concepts, but they differ in scope, context and application.

Academic freedom primarily protects academic inquiry and the dissemination of knowledge. It ensures that educators, researchers and students within a university/college setting can explore, teach and discuss ideas and knowledge without interference or fear of retaliation. This includes the ability to freely conduct research, publish findings, teach and discuss academic subjects, even when considered controversial, without censorship or restriction from within the university/college or from external authorities.

Freedom of expression applies to all individuals in a society and protects the rights of individuals to freely express their personal opinions, ideas and beliefs, without government interference. This expression can take on many forms, including speech, writing, art and other forms of communication, in both public and private settings, as well as on social media.