Yes. SB 17 does not apply to academic course instruction, scholarly research or creative work by an institution of higher education’s students, faculty, or other research personnel or the dissemination of that research work. System policy recognizes a faculty member’s freedom in the classroom provided that comments are appropriate for and relevant to the classroom subject and are subject to the faculty member’s responsibility to maintain and exhibit professional competence in the classroom, to demonstrate professionalism, and to show respect for their students.