AAUP placed the community college on the list in 1984 after the institution, citing challenging financial conditions, laid off some full-time professors. AAUP places schools on the censure list when it believes issues relating to tenure and academic freedom have been violated. Professors refer to the list when they consider applying for or accepting a position with a university or college.
Within the last year, Metropolitan Community College has cleared its final case of outstanding redress. It is also in the finishing stages of enacting the required policies to ensure that the issue that happened over 30 years ago will not recur.
Established in 1915, AAUP endeavors to promote academic freedom and participatory governance as well as sustain the contribution of higher education to the good of society.