Pennsylvania Becomes 21st State to Reject Government Intervention in
Higher Education's Teaching and Learning Process

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Pennsylvania House Select Committee on Academic Freedom in Higher Education voted today to reject legislation restricting what the state's higher education faculty can teach and what their students can learn in the classroom. 

"In education, there is no need for the thought-police," said William Scheuerman, an American Federation of Teachers (AFT) vice president, who commended the committee for its vote against legislated restrictions on instruction.

Scheuerman, who is also president of New York's United University Professions and head of the AFT Higher Education program and policy council, added that "today's vote is an important recognition of the professionalism that characterizes America's higher education faculty and staff."

The committee's vote follows four public hearings on the issue of academic freedom in Pennsylvania's higher education system.  These hearings included testimony from 77 witnesses, including 28 students, 29 faculty members and eight administrators.  The testimony overwhelmingly supported the finding conveyed in the committee’s minority report that academic freedom is alive and well in Pennsylvania.

"We are particularly grateful to state Rep. Lawrence H. Curry for his leadership on this issue," said Scheuerman.  "The AFT looks forward to continued work with Pennsylvania's elected leaders on the wide range of issues affecting students and working families across the state."

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