Raleigh, NC—The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal has published its fifth paper in the “Blueprint for Reform” series, “Blueprint for Reform: Ensuring Freedom of Association on Campus.” Freedom of association is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, yet some colleges and universities have failed to secure that right for their students. This new paper recommends steps that policymakers can take to protect students’ right to join others who share their values and beliefs.
The paper provides specific policy guidelines for legislators, university board members, faculty governing committees, and other higher education decision makers. Three model university policies are cited, including policies that are already in place within the University of Wisconsin system and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The document also links to several examples of model legislation and resources for further reading.
Jenna A. Robinson, president of the Martin Center, said, “Freedom of association is an essential right in any pluralistic community. It is the necessary partner to freedom of speech.”
New policy reform recommendations on different topics will be released by the Martin Center regularly.