NewsRelease

UNCG Trustees Adopt Academic Freedom Resolution

GREENSBORO—A resolution in support of academic freedom was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and will be forwarded to the UNC Board of Governors.

The resolution was drafted in response to issues of academic freedom that erupted over the controversial required reading of "Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations" by entering students at UNC-Chapel Hill. UNCG trustee Thomas Ross of Greensboro was author of the resolution. He said, "We owe it to the faculty here to let them know that we support them in their efforts to teach in a free and open atmosphere."

UNCG Trustees Chair Thomas Sloan, who signed the resolution for the board, said, "I'm happy to sign this. It's important to let the Board of Governors know that we feel strongly about this." The UNCG Faculty Senate will endorse the resolution next Wednesday. It reads:

"Whereas the fundamental principles of academic freedom have come under attach by some in our State in recent days as a result of actions by one branch of the University of North Carolina; and

"Whereas, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is culturally and racially diverse and celebrates this diversity as important to the educational opportunities available at the University; and

"Whereas, the Board of Trustees (hereafter BOT) of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro wish to publicly indicate its support for the students, faculty and administration of the University in their efforts to learn and grow together in an academic setting that encourages intellectual inquiry; and

"Whereas, the BOT believes an environment for learning that encourages academic freedom and the open and free exchange of ideas is essential for the University to operate effectively as an institution of higher education; and

"Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the BOT reaffirms its commitment to religious, academic and political freedom and the fair exchange of ideas and to the provisions for the University system Code expressing these principles. The BOT further resolves to support the faculty, students and administration in their commitment to the thoughtful study of different cultures and their efforts to understand the conflicting values of all lands."

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