Abstract :
Academic freedom is the belief that the freedom of inquiry by students and faculty members is essential to the mission of the academy, and that scholars should have freedom to educate or convey ideas or facts (as well as those that are not convenient to external political groups or to authorities) without being targeted for repression, job loss, or imprisonment. The legal concept of educational independence originated in Germany around 1850, and is known as Lehrfreiheit – the right of faculty to teach on any topic. In Germany, there were no required classes for university students, and just one examination to obtain the Diploma / degree. In the USA, curriculum is strictly managed by faculty, and students must attend all of the required classes and a minimum number of elective classes, to qualify for a degree.
