Status and Details

Status and Details

This page contains information about the status, approval and implementation of this document, contact details for the Implementation Officer and relevant enquiries contact and, on the right, a brief summary of changes between this and the previous version.

Academic Freedom policy

Show Field Notes
Status Historic Indicates if this version of the document is in effect (Current), yet to come into effect (Future), or expired (Historic).
Effective Date 17th December 2019 This is the date on which this version of the document came into effect.
Review Date 17th December 2020 The next review of this document is scheduled to commence on this date.
Approval Authority Academic Board The noted authority approved this is version of the document.
Approval Date 19th November 2019 This is the date on which this version of the document was approved by the authorised authority.
Expiry Date 4th August 2021 This is the date on which this version expires. It may still apply, conditionally, after this date.
Implementation Officer Matt Brett
Director, Academic Governance and Standards
+61 3 924 68408
This is the officer generally responsible for day to day administrative matters.
Responsible Executive Chris Hickey
Chair, Academic Board
This is the senior officer with responsibility for the document.
Enquiries Contact Academic Governance and Standards
+61 3 924 68408
General enquiries should be directed to the officer/area listed.

Summary of Changes from Previous Version

The Academic Freedom policy was amended on 17 December 2019 to incorporate the principles of the Model Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom in Australian Higher Education Providers (Model Code). This policy is consistent with the Model Code but has been adapted for the Deakin context as follows: - the Model Code definition of academic freedom was extended to cover all staff and students engaged in academic activities within their area of expertise - make clear that the University does not, with the exception of defined limits to free speech, restrict or inhibit the freedom of all staff to make comment on any issue in their private capacity - provide clarity on the limits to free speech that include: speech that is unlawful, and which undermines the duty of the University to foster the wellbeing of staff and students - reaffirm both the freedom to express an opinion and the freedom to protest noting that respectful debate and criticism are essential elements of the core mission of the University - make clear that the freedom to express an opinion includes opinions about the University. *This published version varies slightly from the version approved by Academic Board at its meeting on 19 November 2019. Clause 9c was amended on the advice of General Counsel (and approved by the Chair Academic Board on 16 December 2019) to remove reference to the Privacy Act.



Clauses Amended:Policy: All