Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is committed to upholding the principle that adequate safeguards and protections must exist to ensure academic freedom. The definition of academic freedom and the rules and policies to safeguard and protect academic freedom are defined by The Texas State University System (TSUS) Rules and Regulations, Chapter V, Subsection 4.7 [1]. These rules and regulations speak specifically to both the academic freedom rights and responsibilities of a faculty member. Faculty grievances related to academic freedom are regulated by TSUS Rules and Regulations, Chapter V, Subsection 2.15 [2]. In the event that a faculty member files a grievance related to academic freedom, SHSU Human Resource Policy ER-1, Dispute Resolution and Formal Grievance Procedure, would govern the grievance procedures [3].
The TSUS Rules and Regulations is clearly published on the Academic Affairs Policies and Procedures website [4], the University’s Administrative Policies website [5], and the Human Resources Policies website [6]. Human Resource Policy ER-1 is published on the Human Resources Policies website [6]. Additionally, the SHSU Faculty Handbook contains information relating to academic freedom as governed by the TSUS Rules and Regulations, Chapter V, Subsection 2.15 [7].
During the past 10 years, there have been no grievances filed at SHSU dealing with academic freedom.