Academic Freedom vs Board solidarity
Dear colleagues
I am new to the association, and this is my first post. Hello to everyone.
I am interested in whether anyone has considered what seems to be a conflict between the Model Code on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech, and the commonly accepted principle (at least in the corporate world) of Board solidarity on decisions.
Specifically, the Model Code would appear to suggest that a Council member who is also academic staff or a student has the right to publicly disagree with Council decisions (subject to confidentiality restrictions), whereas the principle of Board solidarity would suggest that once a decision has been made, all Board members need to fall in line and support it even if they disagree.
A Council code of conduct or similar document may seek to implement solidarity with decisions, but any code of conduct which did that would seem to be inconsistent with the Model Code which says that all policies etc will be developed and enforced having regard to the commitment to freedom of speech.
Any insights members are willing to share about how they have reconciled this would be appreciated (either online or offline).
Thanks
Marc Davies