For liberal learning to be most effective, it must exist within an environment of free inquiry—one in which the full range of human aspirations, achievements, knowledge, and culture is open to rigorous and thoughtful examination. At its core, liberal learning affirms the freedom to explore, construct, and challenge ideas without the constraints of official dogma. It rejects the notion that popularity determines truth or that unpopularity signals falsehood, relying instead on the standards of critical judgment rooted in the Western traditions of scholarship and ethics.

Grounded in this tradition, Kalamazoo College affirms for its students and faculty the freedom to engage in careful and critical inquiry into the history of ideas; to create, hold, and advocate positions consistent with their convictions and integrity; to participate in the vigorous exchange of ideas that such inquiry invites; and to bring to campus diverse perspectives essential to understanding the intellectual debates of our time.

Since freedom of any kind always exists within certain clearly understood boundaries, these freedoms are subject to the following limitations:

1. The right of individuals to hold and advocate ideas does not imply institutional endorsement. No one may represent the College without explicit authorization.
2. Ideas, whether expressed by members of the College or invited guests, should be presented openly so they may be examined, challenged, and debated.
3. Advocacy and action must respect property and avoid harm to the rights—personal or intellectual—of others.
4. Established prohibitions against plagiarism, slander, libel, and incitement to violence apply fully in the exercise of these freedoms.
5. Freedom of advocacy and action does not exempt individuals from adherence to College regulations.

The Board of Trustees affirms its commitment to academic freedom, recognizing that the richest educational experiences arise in a community where individuals may question, debate, criticize, and dissent. At the same time, it holds that such freedom depends upon an environment of order and mutual respect. Accordingly, the Board will not tolerate lawlessness—on or off campus—or actions that disrupt the College’s educational mission.