Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression

1. Purpose

The purpose of this statement is to ensure full recognition of the Law School’s compliance with ABA Standard 208 on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression. The policies and procedures of the Texas Tech University System and Texas Tech University extend to the Law School and fully comply with ABA Standard 208.

2. Instructors, Activities, and Process

Under System and University policies and procedures, academic freedom and freedom of expression in the Law School extends to all full and part-time law faculty as well as staff who teach law courses. These freedoms extend, as appropriate, to conducting research, publishing scholarship, engaging in law school governance, participating in law-related public service activities, curating library collections and providing information services, and exercising teaching responsibilities, including those related to client representation in clinical programs. System and University policies and procedures afford appropriate due process, such as notice, hearing, and appeal rights, to assess claims of violation of academic freedom and freedom of expression.

3. Freedom of Expression

1. Under System and University policies and procedures, faculty, staff, and students have a right to freedom of expression that includes communicating ideas that may be controversial or unpopular, including through robust debate, demonstrations, and protests.
2. System and University policies and procedures also proscribe disruptive conduct that hinders free expression by preventing or substantially interfering with the carrying out of Law School functions or approved activities, such as classes, meetings, library services, interviews, ceremonies, and public events.
3. System and University policies and procedures also allow for protection of individuals and the community through regulation of unprotected forms of expression such as those that violate the law, that falsely defame a specific individual, that constitute a genuine threat or harassment, or that unjustifiably invade substantial privacy or confidentiality interests. System and University policies and procedures also allow for reasonable time, place, and manner regulations of expression.