Troy University: Trustees Discuss Vetting Research Topics Appropriate for Faculty to Pursue
Cases
Troy University
Case Overview
On March 15, 2023, Troy University chancellor and board of trustees members discussed over email an event co-hosted by the university鈥檚 Center for Political Economy where a former professor criticized Alabama鈥檚 economic incentive programs. Troy鈥檚 chancellor said they cannot continue to allow 鈥渦ncontrolled freedom of speech or academic research鈥 at the Center and that he would schedule a meeting to discuss how the Center prioritizes and vets topics staff to pursue. FIREwrote Troy on April 20, asking it to confirm it will not attempt to control or place viewpoint restrictions on faculty research, and to the extent it already has, to remove those mandates. Troy responded on April 27, affirming its commitment to academic freedom and assuring FIREthat Troy 鈥渟upports professors鈥 research without influence or consideration of political factors.鈥