Stark, C. (1997). Academic freedom, “political correctness”, and ethics. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 38(4), 232–237. https://doi.org/10.1037/0708-5591.38.4.232
Abstract:
Because it is believed to be necessary for an unfettered pursuit of knowledge, academic freedom is a treasured, almost sacred, tenet and expectation in post-secondary education institutions in North America. With this freedom, however, come a number of responsibilities. In addition to these responsibilities psychologists have an obligation to conduct their academic affairs within ethical boundaries. Underlying most ethical constructs is the principle of avoiding harm to others. Unfortunately, “Political Correctness” has become a pejorative label—even when used to describe acts of courtesy, respect, fairness, openness, sensitivity to diversity, and responsibility for the consequences of one’s behaviour. These characteristics represent ethical values that should promote, rather than stifle, open inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge without resulting in an erosion of standards of excellence in favour of special interest groups. It is argued that academic freedom carries ethical responsibilities compatible with the pursuit of knowledge, that the ethical pursuit of knowledge involves integrity in relationships as well as responsibility to society, and that academics are not harmed by what some label “politically correct” behaviour. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)