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.
Register for Sage's 2026 academic freedom webinar
Panelists include:
- LeRoy LaFleur - associate librarian for research, teaching, and learning services for faculty of arts and sciences; head, humanities and social sciences collections and services, Harvard University
- Etana Laing - acquisitions librarian, Thurgood Marshall Library, Bowie State University
- Carrie Hill - digital scholarship librarian, Auburn University Libraries
Quick Insight: Academic Freedom
Academic librarians and higher education staff discuss different aspects of academic freedom and censorship in these short videos.
Roz Tedford on research, tenure, and censorship
Rosalind “Roz” Tedford, director for research, instruction, and outreach at Wake Forest University, discusses the effects of censorship on higher education faculty and entire areas of research.
Dr. Nicole A. Cooke on censorship, diversity, and democracy
Nicole A. Cooke, Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and professor at the School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina, explains why censorship is about more than just differences in opinion.
Carrie Hill on the effects of censorship beyond the institution
Carrie Hill, digital scholarship librarian at Auburn University Libraries, talks about how censorship extends beyond the library and university affecting where people choose to live and work.
Christina Bell on absence due to censorship
Christina Bell, reference and instruction librarian at Glendale Community College, argues that censorship isn’t always noticeable but can simply be the absence of resources and materials.
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.
Academic Freedom and the Role of the Academic Librarian
At this year’s American Library Association Annual Conference, Sage hosted a conversation on rising censorship concerns in higher education. Library leaders and educators discussed what is at stake for students, faculty, and institutions, and how the academic community can respond.
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 2026 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, more than 400 attendees visited the Sage-sponsored “Banned Books from the Big Chair” to read aloud from banned and challenged titles. 38 book authors and illustrators spoke about the importance of the freedom to read from the Big Chair.
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.