Universities’ relevance hinges on academic freedom

A piece by Kristen Lyons for the Conversation covering the conditions in which academic freedom can flourish.

The latest special issue of Australian Universities’ Review is devoted to Academic Freedom’s Precarious Future. Contributing authors identify how the pressures on universities in Australia and overseas are hindering academic freedom. The consequences are dire and broad-ranging. These trends raise questions about just who, and what interests, universities are intended to serve.

In this piece, Jeannie Rea describes the vital work of Scholars at Risk in defending academic freedom. They include those who speak out against military, religious and state regimes, often jeopardizing their lives to do so.

Read more here.