Massachusetts College of Art + Design believes that an institutional framework must be provided that encourages debate and freedom of intellectual and creative endeavors. Academic freedom, in the fullest sense of the term, is indispensable to the purpose and existence of the college.

Freedom of Association
Organizations or clubs may be established at MassArt for any reason, whether the purposes are political, economical, social or educational. Membership in all college-related organizations will be open to any person in the college community who is willing to meet its stated aims and obligations.

Freedom in the Classroom
The college affirms the right of students to freedom of research, exploration of ideas, concepts and theories, as well as the right to expression in the studio and classroom. It is the responsibility of the instructor in particular, but students as well, to ensure the courteous and unlimited exchange of ideas, not only of facts, but also in the spirit of free inquiry. All students must be protected against prejudiced or capricious evaluation.

Association Identification
As a general rule, the college will not require membership lists of an organization or club. It may, however, if deemed necessary to the welfare of the college, request the names and addresses of officers and/or members.

Support and Maintenance
In affirming the right of free association on campus, the college assumes the responsibility to defend and uphold that right in the event that, for any reason, it seems threatened.

Freedom to Participate in the Decision-Making Process
As constituents of the academic community, students are free, individually and in groups, to express their views on institutional policy and on other matters germane to their individual or collective interests. In addition, the formal contract of the College faculty has express and definitive mechanisms designed to insure the full participation of all sectors of the College community on a representational basis.

Freedom of Privacy
Respect will be given to the confidential relationship between the college and its members by preserving the privacy of records relating to each person. For students, the right to confidentiality and access to records is guaranteed by Federal Law under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, and as amended, and the Commonwealth's Fair Information Practices Act.

Freedom of Protest
The college recognizes the right of students to conduct peaceful demonstrations and protests that do not interfere with regular conduct of the college's business. Parties responsible for the planning of protests or demonstrations have the obligation to consult with the Chief Student Affairs Officer prior to the implementation of such acts.

Freedom of Publication
In keeping with the right of academic freedom, student press sponsored by individuals and organizations will be free of censorship and arbitrary college actions arising out of disapproval of editorial policy or content. In advance of publication, the appropriate area Vice President must approve any publication of material that includes the college name, logo, or address.