In recent years, the University’s intellectual autonomy has become a major subject of conversation and controversy, both on our campus and across the nation. Who ultimately has the final say on the content of the classroom and the intellectual of the campus? Today’s controversies are only the latest chapters in a much longer story. Generations of of UT administrators, faculty, and students have all engaged in the defense of intellectual freedom.

This website chronicles the history of this struggle. Each page contains a summary of key events, as well as excerpts from recorded interviews with participants in the story.

Readers interested in submitting blog posts may contact Max Matherne, site editor, at mmathern@vols.utk.edu.