In America, academic freedom derived from religious pluralism. In the 19th century, colleges were founded by many different kinds of boards. They competed, but within the school, a single culture — often defined by religion — dominated. Back in 1967, at the College of Charleston, we suffered minor administrative actions for failure to attend chapel

America’s state universities and city colleges were founded within a constitutional framework that limited government action. They could not require — or prohibit — much short of simple civility and legality.

The AAUP was founded by Edward A. Ross after he was fired from Stanford for advocating for “Free Silver.” From that point, American ideas about academic freedom took a new direction, or perhaps Ross only gave voice to an existing social truth.

How would the concept of academic freedom be applied, say, to a bank. Could a teller expect the right to sell insurance, or invest in coffee futures on the theory of “economic freedom”?
The teller could perhaps, if she were a PARTNER with her own liability. But how would that apply to the university?

Professors apparently have no fiduciary responisiblity — no contractual oblligation of any kind — to deliver any service or product to their students. At least the Microsoft Licensing Agreement tells you that you bought nothing useful, warranteed or merchantable.

I am not sure what a true free market in university education would look like… but I know what it is not.