Academic Freedom Under Siege Globally, New Report Warns
A new report underscores the urgent need for global solidarity to protect academic freedom and autonomy, as threats and crackdowns intensify worldwide. The US, once a beacon of academic liberty, now faces unprecedented challenges, while other nations openly target scholars and students.
The global academic community faces a daunting landscape. Incidents range from student protests met with backlash, to abductions of activists, and even military action disrupting academic life. State leaders worldwide have joined the fray, cracking down on academic freedom and targeting institutions for their expression and research.
In the US, the shift in pressure from state and local actors to the federal government has raised alarms. The Trump administration's actions have been particularly concerning. It has revoked research funds, detained and deported international scholars, and targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. A White House memo urged top universities to cap international student enrollment and ban the use of race and sex in hiring.
The annual report by Scholars at Risk (SAR) paints a grim picture. It documented 395 attacks on scholars, students, and institutions across 49 countries and territories in just one year. In India, academic freedom has been shrinking, with incidents of campus violence, discrimination, and curriculum changes restricting academic freedom.
The Academic Freedom index (AFi) rated several countries, including Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran, as completely restricted, and another eight as severely restricted.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the precarious state of academic freedom globally. As threats escalate, it is crucial for the academic community to build solidarity and secure legal protections. The future of higher education and the pursuit of knowledge hang in the balance.
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