Palm Beach Atlantic University: Professor’s Contract Renewal Delayed, Contingent on Review of Racial Justice Material
Cases
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Case Overview
In February 2023, Professor Samuel Joeckel reported being confronted by a Palm Beach Atlantic University dean who said the university president received an angry phone call from a parent accusing Joeckel of “indoctrinating” students. The university reportedly said it would delay Joeckel’s contract renewal, pending a review of his course material. On February 21, ֱ wrote PBA explaining its actions violate Jockel’s pedagogical autonomy to determine whether and how to introduce or approach material that may challenge, upset, or even deeply offend some people — autonomy that is protected by PBA’s policy language enshrining academic freedom. ֱ asked the university to reaffirm its commitment to academic freedom and renew Joeckel’s contract. Rather than responding to our letter, PBA instead terminated Joeckel in March. On June 20, ֱ circulated a Letter of Support for faculty around the country to sign, urging PBA to not retaliate against professors for their protected speech.