The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is a professional organization founded in 1915 that represents the interests of faculty members and academic professionals in higher education institutions across the United States. The AAUP seeks to advance the principles of academic freedom, shared governance, and tenure protections, promoting their importance in fostering quality education, research, and intellectual freedom.
Academic freedom is a cornerstone of the AAUP's mission, referring to the freedom of faculty members to teach, research, and express their ideas without interference or censorship from external forces. The AAUP advocates for the protection of academic freedom to ensure a robust and independent academic environment that encourages critical thought and inquiry.
Shared governance is another key principle championed by the AAUP. It emphasizes the importance of involving faculty members and other stakeholders in decision-making processes within universities and colleges. The AAUP advocates for meaningful faculty involvement in shaping policies, academic programs, and administrative decisions that impact the institution.
The AAUP also recognizes the significance of tenure protections. Tenure provides academic professionals with job security and protects them from arbitrary termination, allowing scholars to pursue controversial or unpopular lines of inquiry without fear of retribution. Tenured faculty often play a vital role in preserving academic freedom and ensuring the integrity and intellectual rigor of higher education institutions.
Overall, the AAUP serves as an advocate and defender of the rights and values that underpin the academic profession, striving to protect and promote the principles of academic freedom, shared governance, and tenure in higher education institutions across the United States.
