Free Speech Resolution on the Ballot at the AHA Meeting in Atlanta

Over thirty members of the American Historical Association endorsed a free speech resolution, more than enough to put it to a vote at the AHA business meeting in Atlanta on Saturday, January 6. Here it is:

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE USE OF SPEECH CODES TO RESTRICT ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Whereas, The American Historical Association has already gone on record against the threat to academic freedom posed by the Academic Bill of Rights;

Whereas, Free and open discourse is essential to the success of research and learning on campus;

Whereas, Administrators and others have used campus speech codes and associated non-academic criteria to improperly restrict faculty choices on curriculum, course content, and personnel decisions; and

Whereas, Administrators and others have also used speech codes to restrict free and open discourse for students and faculty alike through such methods as"free speech zones" and censorship of campus publications; therefore be it

Resolved, That the American Historical Association opposes the use of speech codes to restrict academic freedom.

If the AHA takes a clear stand on this issue, it will send a powerful message that historians value academic freedom across-the-board.

Because it will be an uphill battle to get it passed, make sure, if you are member of the AHA, to come to the business meeting and urge your colleagues to do likewise.

The business meeting will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2007 in the Hilton Atlanta's Fulton/Cobb Rooms beginning at 4:45 p.m.