Steven Bitterman was fired by his school after he offended his students for telling them that they could easily appreciate the biblical story of Adam and Eve if they considered it a myth. Several adjunct and full-time professors who work off the tenure track have been fired after saying something, as Mr. Bitterman did, that offended students or administrators. The instructors argue that their words would have been protected by academic freedom if they had tenure. Because they do not have tenure, colleges can fire them on the spot or simply not renew their contracts--without even telling them why. In most cases, the instructors say they have no way to fight back short of engaging in an expensive legal battle. That may be changing. A handful of instructors are challenging colleges with help from unions and advocacy groups.