The safeguards of academic freedom in teaching, research and expression include tenure, due process, and shared governance.

The seminal document for academic freedom and tenure in the US is the
1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom & Tenure

• Academic freedom for teachers in teaching, research and expression
• Jointly formulated by faculty represented by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and university administrations represented by the American Association of Colleges & University (AA&U)
• UT Austin and 900+ other institutions are AAC&U members
• More than 250+ professional organizations have adopted this statement

It was this 1940 statement that led to the widespread adoption of these principles in university handbooks in the 1940s, 1950s, and beyond.

The UT System Regents Rules and the UT Austin Handbook of Operating Procedures adopt the wording in the 1940 statement almost verbatim.