The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) states purpose “to define fundamental professional values and standards for higher education, and to ensure higher education's contribution to the common good” (AAUP, 2006). Established in 1915, the organization began at a time when there were concerns over academic freedom. Also an era of laissez-faire economics, there was increased need for labor unionizing. University professors organized themselves to ensure their rights and freedoms in academic scholarship, ironically catalyst from a debate over economics. While the organization is best known for the protection of academic freedom, the AAUP also promotes shared democratic governance for postsecondary education in the United States.