CSU leadership attacks academic freedom

CSU leadership has issued a system-wide, interim “time, place, and manners” policy. Because the union has not met and consulted with administration, the policy does not currently apply to faculty. We are aware that some campus administrators misinform faculty about their rights, and we have requested a correction. The current time, place, and manners policy applies to faculty. However, the new policy impacts our students and their freedom of speech and academic freedom.

CSU leadership claims it must follow a state law to enforce time, place and behavior guidelines, but there is no indication that existing policies are insufficient. In fact, responding to public demonstrations on the CSU campus last year, leaders appear willing to restrict free speech and expression even more than ever before.

The directive would include, among other things:

• Limit the academic freedom of faculty, students, and staff: the ability to speak, teach, learn, research, participate in university administration, and work freely, without interference from politicians, boards of trustees, donors, or others.
• Establish “open hours” on campus to restrict people from being in buildings and areas during certain times, including during scheduled classes and events.
• Enact a disability-hostile ban on face coverings that protects immunocompromised people and prevents them from being monitored without their consent.
• Restrictions on face coverings appear to contradict the individual’s right to wear certain religious garments such as a burqa, hijab or other head/face coverings.
• Establish comprehensive language requiring written permission for posters, signs, banners, and chalk paintings.

CFA members are committed to academic freedom and free expression as central to public higher education and our institutions of higher learning. Public debates, rallies, protests, and teach-ins are important milestones in the fight for education, progress, and justice in the United States.

We are requesting a meeting to discuss the decision and the impact of this new policy. This free speech-restricting policy interferes with free speech, free expression, and academic freedom and results in disciplinary consequences for faculty. This policy also interferes with and potentially hinders our union's ability to engage in concerted activities and otherwise represent faculty members.

By restricting freedom of speech and academic freedom, this policy redefines the role of a public institution in teaching and the exchange of ideas. We see this policy for what it is: a continued shift away from student service and toward the commercialization of what a people's university should be.

We will keep CFA members updated in the coming weeks.