ACE’s ‘Statement on Academic Rights and Responsibilities’  June
23, 2005  by Greg Lukianoff  Today the American Council of
Education (ACE) issued an important new Statement on Academic
Rights and Responsibilities. Over two dozen groups, including
the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
(NASPA), joined the statement. The statement is generally a
positive development and ACE should be commended for organizing
and issuing such a statement. I do, however, have questions and
comments about the language of the provisions. American higher
education is characterized by a great diversity of institutions,
each with its own mission and purpose. This diversity is a
central feature and strength of our colleges and universities
and must be valued and protected. The particular purpose of each
school, as defined by the institution itself, should set the
tone for the academic activities undertaken on campus. FIRE
agrees with this statement with