Academic Freedom

In the past two years, the Republican-controlled Legislature has weakened tenure, restricted pride flags at universities, overhauled gen ed at one university and pushed institutions to reallocate funding. Some faculty say their roles are being undermined.

Michelle Deutchman, who leads UC’s free expression center, says institutions are grappling with how to promote student expression amid the government’s crackdown on protesters.

Some public universities nixed certain gen ed mandates in response to a statewide order. But through exemptions, multiple degree programs can continue mandating courses that relate to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The agreements, which have raised academic freedom advocates’ eyebrows, said that those wanting a voluntary retirement payout can’t criticize the university or any of its employees.