Ohio University Faculty Senate Resolution on Withdrawing Senate Bill 24, "Academic Bill of Rights"

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.