Statement on Academic Freedom
In the pursuit of truth before God, faculty members are free to express their individual positions, in their writing, speaking, teaching, and activities. While free to develop, change, and accept any academic position, the unique task of the institution requires that the ultimate positions of faculty members not be at variance with the basic theological stance of the community as set forth in the Statement of Faith and other official statements derived from it and approved by vote of the faculty and board.
Richmont recognizes that as its faculty members pursue their respective disciplines, scholarship will create a healthy and dynamic tension, which Richmont must encourage. Therefore: Students are free to learn and to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in the Richmont community. In their public expressions, students and student organizations should make clear that they speak only for themselves, and not for the university.
Faculty members are responsible for safeguarding the academic freedom of their students to learn by encouraging free inquiry into controversial issues, presenting alternative viewpoints, refraining from undue influence of the process of learning, taking dissenting student opinion seriously, and offering a forum for discussion.