The right of faculty members to academic freedom is of fundamental importance to an academic institution. That right shall be protected at Washington University in St. Louis.

Officers, deans and all Washington University in St. Louis staff members (collectively referred to in this policy as employees) have a shared responsibility to ensure they conduct themselves in an unbiased manner and serve the mission of the university.

In the exceptional event that it is necessary to take immediate action in order to prevent harm to members of the WashU community, to preserve the integrity of records, or to protect university facilities, a person with administrative authority within the university (e.g., a dean or department chair) may deem it necessary or advisable to place a faculty member on administrative suspension.