The Future of Academic Freedom

"... first and foremost, this is about professors—their rights and limits both in and out of the classroom. Should they be able to toss out new, sometimes controversial ideas to help students think in different ways? Are they allowed to say and do what they want on their own time? Reichman's experience as both a professor and an AAUP officer and chair of one of its committees give weight to his arguments."

"Reichman's tone is somehow hopeful, as if he's arming advocates with the history, knowledge and tools they need to fight the good fight — not just for the future of academic freedom but for higher education in general."

"Henry Reichman's fine book needs to be read and discussed... Refreshingly free of vanguardism, but deeply convinced of (and convincing on) the strengths and vulnerabilities of academic freedom in his unevenly admirable homeland, he casts the chapters gathered here as responses to aptly searching questions... Joan Scott's Foreword strikes notes of candour, insight, and defiance that echo through Reichman's, rich, unyielding prose."

"Offering compelling case studies and keen insights, scholar, advocate, and activist Henry Reichman issues an urgent call to action. Enjoining campus leaders to safeguard and champion the principles of academic freedom upon which American higher education is founded, Reichman makes visible their essential role in educating for democracy."

"Henry Reichman is an essential and rational voice in contemporary debates about academic freedom. His book is required reading for those who would understand the controversies that presently engulf that important value."

"A stunningly versatile analysis that is careful and convincing throughout. This important, engaging, and readable volume will appeal to scholars from a variety of disciplines and institutions."

"Academic freedom allows leading thinkers to speak truth to power without fear of politically or ideologically-motivated repercussions. Unsurprisingly, it is under an unprecedented assault today by the right. Read Henry Reichman's The Future of Academic Freedom to learn how to fight back and protect this bedrock principle of American democracy."

"This is a sweeping look at the many ways corporate and authoritarian models of governance have asserted control over higher education in recent years. Henry Reichman has amassed countless chilling examples of the growing assault on academic freedom, of the erosion of basic protections for faculty and students, and of efforts to transform our universities 'into engines of profit instead of sources of enlightenment.'"

"A provocative, focused, and comprehensive volume by a leading voice on academic freedom. Reichman does not shy away from doing true investigative work. The inclusion of a plethora of stories and current news references should make this readable book accessible to a wide audience."