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Articles on Academic freedom

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Interference in research has serious consequences for scientists and for the laws and policies their research informs. (Shutterstock)

Canadian scientists are still being muzzled, and that risks undermining climate policy

If scientists cannot freely conduct and communicate their work, the gap between evidence and policy widens, and that means Canada gets less effective laws and policies.
Attendees clap as they listen during a ‘teach-in on Gaza’ lecture at Rutgers University on Oct. 27, 2023, in New Brunswick, N.J. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Campus tensions and the Mideast crisis: Will Ontario and Alberta’s ‘Chicago Principles’ on university free expression stand?

In Ontario and in Alberta, university decisions about balancing free expression and protection from harm will be an important test of recent university policy shifts pertaining to free expression.
Pinar Selek at a conference in Paris in 2010. Streetpepper/Wikimedia

Debate: The case of Pinar Selek is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by academics in Turkey and around the world

A refugee in France, the Turkish sociologist has been persecuted in her country for 25 years. Her case is emblematic of the repression of academics in Turkey – and elsewhere.
People in Montréal attend a demonstration on May 15, 2021, to denounce Israel’s military actions in the Palestinian territories. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

University presidents’ trip to Israel undermines academic freedom and democracy

When universities are seen as favouring one position on the Palestine/Israel issue, their ability to uphold academic freedom as a fundamental tenet of democracy is jeopardized.
Quebec’s bill may be seen as part of on-going ‘culture wars,’ and alongside Ontario and Québec conservative governments’ grandstanding about ‘free speech’ on university campuses. (Shutterstock)

What is Québec’s Bill 32 on academic freedom, and why does it matter?

In addition to undermining universities’ and faculty members’ autonomy, the bill blurs distinctions between free expression and academic freedom, and turns academic freedom into a political weapon.
Shutterstock

Who will call out the misogyny and abuse undermining women’s academic freedom in our universities?

With academic freedom comes moral responsibility. Men within New Zealand universities – and beyond – must challenge misogynistic abuse of their women colleagues and not stay silent.
More discussion is needed about how power shapes access to learning and speaking in a university environment. (Shutterstock)

Academic freedom can’t be separated from responsibility

When speakers seek to responsibly disseminate knowledge they must be aware of their audience and how what they are saying may resonate.
U.S. universities are cutting ties with their Russian counterparts, such as Moscow State University, shown here. Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images

The war in Ukraine ruins Russia’s academic ties with the West

Decades of collaboration between Western and Russian universities have come to a halt because of the war in Ukraine. An expert on U.S.-Russia relations explains what’s at stake.

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