Passed, February 14, 2005
Whereas SB 24, has introduced the "Academic Bill of Rights", into the 126th session of the Ohio General Assembly; and
Whereas SB 24 appears to shift responsibility for conducting and monitoring academic affairs from universities and professional accrediting organizations to state government; and
Whereas the very nature of higher education is to debate and discuss a variety of ideas; and
Whereas historically universities have had the autonomy and responsibility to determine their own curricula and teaching methodologies, and that this autonomy has served societies well, and has greatly contributed to the political, scientific, artistic and technological success of humanity; and
Whereas academic autonomy is central to a free society and is one of the pillars of democracy; and
Whereas, students rights and grievance procedures are safeguarded within the academic institution's policies and procedures
Be it resolved that:
The Academic Faculty Senate at Ohio University vigorously opposes SB24 both in spirit and substance and calls for withdrawal of the senate bill.