Education: The Limit

In the classic definition of Mr. Justice Holmes, the right of free speech ends when a man falsely cries “Fire!” in a crowded theater. Does academic freedom also have its limits?

When the University of Illinois’ Daily Illini last month deplored excessive necking at campus parties, Biology Professor Leo F. Koch, 44, sent the newspaper a forthright, academically, free reply: “With modern contraceptives and medical advice readily available at the nearest drugstore, or at least a family physician, there is no valid reason why sexual intercourse should not be condoned among those sufficiently mature to engage in it without social consequences and without violating their own codes of morality and ethics. A mutually satisfactory sexual experience would eliminate the need for many hours of frustrating petting and lead to happier and longer lasting marriages among our young men and women.”

Professor Koch’s overly blunt biology lesson brought some letters of approval, but also the expected deluge of outraged protests from parents, alumni and clergymen. Last week he was fired. Said President David Dodd Henry: “The views expressed are offensive and repugnant, contrary to commonly accepted standards of morality, and their public espousal may be interpreted as encouragement of immoral behavior.”

The father of two young sons and a 15-year-old daughter, Koch bitterly viewed his dismissal as a breach of academic free dom. “I am a biologist,” said he, “and I think I know something about sex. More enlightenment about sex and morals would lead to healthier lives for our citizens. This is the most puritan country in the Western world.”

In an effort to regain his job, Koch appealed to the faculty committee on academic freedom and to the American Association of University Professors. At week’s end, neither group had come to a decision. But another faculty committee, backing President Henry, had already called Professor Koch’s letter “a grave breach of academic responsibility.”