The San Francisco Conservatory of Music's core functions of teaching, learning, artistic creation and performance depend upon an atmosphere in which freedom of inquiry, thought, expression, publication and peaceable assembly are given the fullest protection. In carrying out those functions, reasonable expression of the widest range of viewpoints should be encouraged, free from institutional orthodoxy and from internal or external coercion.

In furtherance of these general principles, decisions will be made on the basis of legitimate intellectual and professional criteria and without regard to a person's political, social, professional, or artistic views.

Decisions affected by academic freedom policy

1. The search for, appointment, promotion and/or termination of employees
2. The assignment of teaching and other primarily academic responsibilities
3. The support and sponsorship of performances and composition
4. The evaluation of and awarding credit to students
5. Any other granting or withholding of benefits

As representatives of the Conservatory, faculty, staff, and students should remember that the public may judge the institution by what they say or write. They should therefore at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.