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Right to Academic Freedom
Professors have the right to advocate controversial ideas within the educational contexts of teaching , learning , and research both inside and outside the classroom . Students too , are generally assumed to have similar rights consistent with the requirements of their classes and programs of study .
COURSE CONTENT AND CLASSROOM TEACHING METHODS
In general , professors have the right to choose the content of their courses and to use the teaching methods they believe will be effective . As a student , you do not have the right to insist that a class be viewpoint-neutral . In fact , your professor may even ask you to write papers expressing particular viewpoints with which you disagree as long as there is a legitimate pedagogical purpose . But if a professor is teaching outside the scope of the course ( for instance , if your math professor is repeatedly lecturing about the Arab-Israeli conflict during math class ), you may appeal to your school administration . Keep in mind , however , that professors are generally given significant leeway by the administration and their colleagues . It is exceedingly difficult to prove that a professor ’ s teaching is outside of her academic discretion . Although it may feel unfair , often the best approach to difficult or biased faculty is to avoid their classes where possible .
GRADING RETRIBUTION
You have the right to respectfully disagree with viewpoints expressed in your classes and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion . In general , professors should evaluate you solely on an academic basis and not on the basis of your personal opinions or conduct that is separate from the course curriculum . If you are concerned that your professor has unfairly lowered or will unfairly lower your grade because