At its core, academic freedom ensures that in their teaching, research, scholarship, publication, creative expression, participation in the affairs of the university, and exercise of their rights as citizens, academics are not curtailed, disciplined, or censored by the administration, by colleagues, or by outside bodies or individuals. It includes the freedom of scholars to inquire into and challenge prevailing orthodoxies or systems without being subjected to reprisal, such as denying them appointment, promotion, or depriving them of their employment status, institutional rights, or privileges.