Sage’s statement on academic freedom
Sage believes free expression in all forms is a basic human right. Our primary responsibility, and most impactful contribution, is to publish and amplify the unique voices of scholars and educators, representing diverse populations and perspectives and developing new strands of inquiry for the widest possible audience. This position is rooted in the belief that scientifically rigorous scholarship can improve the world and that diversity fosters innovation, understanding, and respect.
- Our most important publishing criteria are related to quality and rigor, which means we encourage vigorous discussion and debate, and that at times, we will publish even if the act of publishing draws criticism.
- We uphold editorial independence as a key principle. With our support and partnership, editors and authors have authority over the content included in their works, with the expectation that it is rigorous scholarship and promotes fair, respectful, and equitable interaction among researchers, educators, and relevant local communities.
- We give customers the flexibility to select the content that best meets the needs of their students, faculty, and other end-users. We will never censor our content.
We admire those who challenge our organization, hold us to our principles, and correct us for the mistakes we make along the way. We take their feedback seriously. If you have comments or ideas on our efforts to promote academic freedom, please reach out to us.
Academic Freedom and the Role of the Academic Librarian
Join us for a live panel on Saturday, June 27 that highlights how academic librarians are responding to growing pressures in higher education, including censorship concerns and new legal and institutional constraints. Academic librarians will discuss what these challenges look like in practice and how they affect teaching, research, and access to information on campus at the 2026 American Library Conference in Chicago at the Chapter One Stage (Booth #1328).
Panelists:
- Christina Bell, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Glendale Community College
- Nicole A. Cooke, Ph.D., Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and Professor in the School of Information Science, University of South Carolina
- Moderated by Sage’s Rhonda Contreras, Director of Engagement, Library Partnerships
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Resources supporting academic freedom
Banned books and academic freedom research
This hub of free research from across Sage Journals features articles on banned books and academic freedom. The suppression of banned books undermines the core principle of academic freedom, where scholars should explore diverse ideas without fear. This freedom nurtures critical thinking and innovation, integral to progressing society.
Academic librarian blog collection
Download and read the responses from a diverse group of library faculty from across the US as they call on their coworkers and the public to protect the freedom to read and learn. Help support academic freedom by sharing the collection with your colleagues.
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Banned Books Week webinar 2025
As institutional funding, areas of research, and the principles of free speech come under fire across U.S. higher education, this webinar brought together experts in freedom of expression to discuss their experiences and the support systems needed to protect academic freedom.
Partnerships to resist censorship
Index on Censorship
Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. They publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech. Sage proudly publishes Index on Censorship’s work.
Intellectual Freedom Award
The award acknowledges individuals or groups who have furthered the cause of intellectual freedom, particularly as it impacts libraries and information centers and the dissemination of ideas. Sage is the primary sponsor of this award.
Unite Against Book Bans
Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative from the American Library Association to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. As a sponsor, Sage has shared tools and resources to support academic freedom.
ALA Annual Conference
At the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, more than 200 attendees visited the Sage-sponsored “Banned Books from the Big Chair” booth to denounce book challenges, share advice for combatting censorship locally, and read aloud from banned titles. The exhibit highlighted the number of books challenged and the 10 most-challenged titles in the US in 2024.
Sage has proudly co-hosted this exhibit for more than a decade in partnership with ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, Unite Against Book Bans, and the Banned Books Week Coalition, as part of its larger effort to champion academic freedom.
Highlights from the Big Chair
