Academic freedom is at the very center of the modern university; it promotes discovery and teaching of the best possible knowledge. The need for improved regulations governing academic freedom is currently growing as a century-long consensus that focused on granting faculty members the most expansive academic freedom rights is breaking down; other campus interests are becoming more aggressive in demanding their rights as well. This report places contemporary understandings of academic freedom in historical, professional, and legal contexts and recommends the means by which a workable and more equitable framework for academic freedom can be created. This report argues that the health of the modern American university depends on deciding the proper limits, checks, and balances of scholarly inquiry, teaching, and commentary in academia. It reviews several methods that may empower administrators, students, and other higher education stakeholders. Legal action--in which all interests involved have an opportunity to present their cases--may be the best, most impartial means to balance the rights of faculty against other interests.