Purpose
Academic freedom at Bahçeşehir University (BAU) refers to the environment provided by the university that enables faculty members to engage in scholarly activities related to teaching, research, and relevant academic pursuits in higher education institutions. This freedom is essential for the university to fulfill its mission of creating new knowledge and effectively transmitting accumulated knowledge and understanding to students and society at large. Academic responsibility, in turn, emphasizes that all members of the university have the right to express their views and listen to the views of others while maintaining the responsibility of conducting academic work with integrity. The university must be an institution that safeguards and respects the rights of its members to express themselves while protecting others’ rights to learn, conduct research, and perform the university's core functions without interference.
Statement
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is committed to protecting and promoting academic freedom and freedom of expression within the university. These freedoms hold significant value and form the foundation of all efforts and operations of the university, as they are essential to the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and truth. BAU ensures that academic freedom is safeguarded for everyone within the institution through a policy that aligns with the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms without discrimination.
Definition of Academic Freedom
Academic freedom at BAU is defined as the freedom of individuals to teach, discuss, and research, and to express their ideas without interference or censorship by the institution. This includes the right to freely choose research and publication topics, express opinions, and engage in scholarly debates. The university, as a protector of these freedoms, must ensure that its members can operate without unjust restrictions on academic expression.
Academic freedom includes:
(a) The freedom of academic staff to teach, discuss, research, and disseminate research results through publication;
(b) The freedom of academic staff and students to participate in intellectual inquiry, express their ideas and beliefs, and contribute to public discourse on matters related to their fields of study;
(c) The freedom of academic staff and students to express their views on the higher education institution where they work or study;
(d) The freedom of academic staff to participate in professional or representative academic bodies;
(e) The freedom of students to join student communities and associations.
Policy Details
Teaching and Research Freedom: Academic staff at BAU have the unrestricted right to select and engage in teaching and research areas of their choice, as long as these align with professional academic standards and the educational goals of the university. Faculty members are encouraged to pursue innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary research without fear of institutional censorship or reprisal.
Intellectual Inquiry: Both academic staff and students have the freedom to engage in intellectual inquiry related to their fields of study and are encouraged to contribute to scholarly and public debates. This includes participating in conferences, writing for academic journals, and engaging in discussions that contribute to knowledge and societal progress.
Freedom of Expression: BAU upholds the right of all its members to express their views on any matters concerning their academic work or the institution itself. This policy ensures that no member of the academic community is subject to censorship or unjust limitation in voicing their opinions.
Participation in Academic and Professional Bodies: Academic staff at BAU have the right to participate in academic, professional, and representative bodies. This includes serving on committees, being part of professional organizations, and engaging in collaborative projects that advance their academic fields.
Student Rights: Students at BAU have the right to join and participate in student organizations and associations. This engagement is crucial for fostering leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility, and BAU actively encourages students to take part in such activities.
Research and Teaching Freedom for Senior and Junior Academics
At BAU, both senior and junior academics are granted the same fundamental rights to academic freedom; however, the nature of their academic pursuits may differ based on their career stage. BAU recognizes these distinctions and encourages tailored support to meet the needs of academics at different stages of their careers.
Reporting Violations of Academic Freedom
BAU takes any potential violation of academic freedom or freedom of expression seriously. If any staff member, affiliate, or student believes that their academic freedom or freedom of expression has been unjustly restricted, they are encouraged to report the incident to the appropriate offices (Human Resources Directorate, Legal Department, or Student Dean’s Office) without delay. These reports will be handled promptly and confidentially, ensuring that any concerns are addressed in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
Conclusion
BAU is dedicated to fostering an academic environment where freedom of thought and expression thrives, enabling faculty, staff, and students to engage fully in the pursuit of knowledge. By protecting academic freedom, BAU ensures that its members can contribute to the university's mission of innovation, education, and service to society. This policy serves as a cornerstone for upholding these values, promoting a culture of respect, inquiry, and intellectual development within the university.
This policy was established in 2020 and revised in 2023.