Academic freedom is the cornerstone of higher education. It guarantees that faculty and learners may engage in candid discussions of issues important to society, even if their views are controversial, without fear of censorship or reprisal. The College endorses the 1940 Statement of Principles and the 1940 and 1970 interpretive comments of the American Association of University Professors on academic freedom. It is the policy of the College that in the context of academic discussions and written assignments, learners may freely express their own perspectives or opinions on substantive issues. Learners may be evaluated or challenged by their instructors based on the quality of their reasoning and verbal or written skills. Faculty may not penalize or censor learners for dissenting or controversial views.