Rethinking Academic Freedom in Today’s Classrooms

[Brody]

Liberty and Learning: Academic Freedom for Teachers and Students by ReLeah Lent and David Moshman is a timely and thought-provoking read that examines the essential role of intellectual freedom in education.

Moshman argues that academic freedom is not a privilege reserved for universities but a foundational principle that should guide teaching and learning at every level. He defines this freedom through five core principles:

Freedom of belief and identity

Freedom of expression and discussion

Freedom of inquiry

Freedom from indoctrination

Rights of equality, privacy, and due process

These principles provide a clear framework for addressing today’s most challenging educational debates—from curriculum controversies to censorship and the role of schools in preparing students for civic life. At its heart, the book is a call to protect the spaces where genuine inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking can thrive.

👉 Get your copy here: Liberty and Learning: Academic Freedom for Teachers and Students

Goodreads Discussion Question:
How can schools strike the right balance between offering guidance and structure while still protecting students’ freedom to explore, question, and form their own perspectives?