Prof. Jordan A. Goodman, Chair, Physics Department

By Jordan A. Goodman,
Physics Chair

Dear Colleagues,

This month, I would like to take a moment to talk to you about the importance of academic freedom and free speech. At this time when free speech is being threatened across the nation, it is important that academia fight hard to protect it. Because, while free speech is an unalienable right for every American, it is even more than that for members of the academic community - it is our job. It is our job to explore new ideas, even when they are unpopular. This responsibility is what makes universities the hub of exploration and discovery. Further it is what often puts universities in the vanguard of social and political change. Our predecessors in academia understood the critical importance of free speech. That is why they implemented the policy of tenure, which protects faculty from any professional repercussions resulting from the discussion of unpopular opinions. This means that a professor cannot be fired - or asked to resign - simply for expressing his academic, social or political views.

Recently, one of our colleagues and former Chancellor, Don Langenberg, was criticized by the Governor and Comptroller of the state for writing a letter to the Baltimore Sun calling for more support for the University. They challenged his right to do this while a state employee. The physics tenured faculty unanimously passed the following resolution to demonstrate our support of Don and of an essential principle of higher education:

"The Tenured Faculty of the Department of Physics strongly support the right of every member of the University of Maryland community to express their opinions on academic and social issues without fear of reprisal from the University, or from officials of the State of Maryland. Professors have the rights and responsibilities of ordinary citizens of a free country, but we believe that they also have a special obligation to promote free inquiry and to further public understanding in areas in which they have expertise. We strongly oppose any attempt to intimidate members of our community for exercising their rights."

From time to time, our colleagues generate attention and criticism for speaking out on an issue. For example, Dr. Robert Park, one of our very accomplished condensed matter professors, often sparks controversy in the What's New newsletter he publishes on behalf of the American Physical Society and the University of Maryland. He has also been an outspoken critic of manned space flight where machines can do the same job. From time to time, my office has received complaints about his comments. The Department and I all completely stand behind Dr. Park's right to give voice to these opinions. This is true even when his opinion is not the same as our own (and even though we think it should be).

Academic freedom is also essential to the education of our students. The collegiate years are full of discovery -- academically, philosophically, politically and individually. As they explore new ideas and develop new opinions, we need to show our students that we value the expression of a variety of ideas and encourage them to speak as freely as their professors do.

There will be times when academic freedom is threatened. However, when we are faced with this time, we must be sure to stand together with our colleagues, our students and our university to ensure that this vital element of higher education is preserved.

Sincerely,

Jordan A. Goodman
Chair, Physics Department