Cal Poly recognizes and supports the principle of academic freedom, by which each faculty member has the right to teach, to conduct research, and to publish material relevant to that faculty member's discipline, even when such material is controversial.

The University also guarantees to its faculty the same rights shared by all citizens, which include:

• the right to free expression,
• the right to assemble, and
• the right to criticize and seek revision of the institution's regulations.

At the same time, the faculty should recognize an equally binding obligation to perform their academic duties responsibly and to comply with the internal regulations of the University.

Each faculty member is expected to recognize the right of free expression of other members of the university community; intolerance and personal abuse are unacceptable.

Faculty shall not claim to be representing the University unless authorized to do so.

Academic Senate Resolution AS-368-91/PPC (PDF)