Affording persons or organizations “due process” basically means to conduct legal proceedings with fairness in both content and procedure.

Individuals who are associated with colleges and universities, whether students, faculty, staff, or guests visiting on campuses, whose civil rights have been violated may sue for equitable relief or monetary damages under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871.

The concept of academic freedom, although not enumerated in the First Amendment, is based on freedom of speech and applies generally to all levels of education.