academic freedom

noun

: freedom to teach or to learn without interference (as by government officials)

Examples of academic freedom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Advocates say the job security is a crucial component of academic freedom. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Since then, according to Jonathan Friedman, who serves as the director of PEN America’s free-expression program, few schools have gone further than Texas Tech in restricting speech and academic freedom on campus. — Benjamin Wofford, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Editor’s pick More picks UCLA chancellor faces faculty outcry over 9/11 statement, a test of academic freedom. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

There were five campus incidents in which a professor or academic staff member faced backlash or punishment for speech protected by academic freedom or the First Amendment — three at Texas A&M and two at Texas Tech. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above