We are sharing a new “Academic Freedom, Autonomy and Admissions” FAQ as a resource for community members who have questions about Brown’s policies and commitments related to academic freedom, free expression and maintaining Brown’s autonomy in decisions related to its mission, including admissions. This is expected to be the last in a series of FAQs developed in response to questions being shared by members of our community following the July 30 announcement of Brown's agreement with the federal government.

 

This new FAQ resource offers answers to frequently asked questions about Brown’s academic independence and protections for academic freedom for members of the Brown community in light of the University’s resolution agreement. It addresses common questions about Brown’s commitment to preserve academic freedom for faculty teaching, instruction and coursework, as well as the capacity for faculty and students to conduct research in areas of their choosing. It also addresses questions about Brown’s freedom to continue choosing which students we admit, in addition to data provisions of the agreement.

 

While these FAQs are presented on a resource site hosted by the Office of Equity, Compliance and Reporting, the responses were developed in direct consultation with the Office of the President and Office of the Provost, as well as senior academic deans and various support offices. The University previously shared FAQs on "Sex and Gender Policies and Gender-Affirming Care," and Title VI, Nondiscrimination and “DEI.”

 

Both the previous FAQs and this new FAQ may be updated an ongoing basis. Members of Brown’s senior administration continue to collaborate with relevant departments to determine how specific provisions of the agreement apply to current policies and processes, and to outline how any necessary changes will be implemented.