This report seeks to confront the contemporary political challenge to the academic community by exploring how free universities contribute to the common good even as they create political tensions between themselves and society that require the protection of academic freedom. At the same time, the report suggests ways that protection may be strengthened in the face of political intrusions into the academic decision-making process. The recommendations in this report are largely founded on long-standing principles and procedural standards supported by the American Association of University Professors. (Contains 52 footnotes.)