Scholars, leaders, advocates meet at SAR USA General Assembly in Pittsburgh, PA

From October 16-17th, 100+ scholars, leaders, and advocates convened at the 2nd Scholars at Risk U.S. General Assembly to discuss the importance of promoting academic freedom in the United States and beyond. Sessions focused on examining academic freedom in the national and global context, providing guidance on hosting threatened scholars on university campuses, and encouraging scholars and practitioners to share reflections from their university placements.

The event was hosted at Carnegie Mellon University, in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, around the theme “Building bridges to support scholars and promote academic freedom.” Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh are both active members of the SAR network and SAR US Section, collaborating to promote academic freedom and opportunities for at-risk scholars within the region.

“The concurrent presence of displaced scholars, host university representatives, and SAR officials over nearly two days provided a valuable opportunity to foster greater understanding and mutual awareness of each other’s challenges, capabilities, and programs. I hope that such gatherings, which I believe are motivating for all participants, will be held more frequently.”

– SAR USA General Assembly attendee 

 

Wednesday, October 16th 

Opening plenary and Q&A: Academic freedom in the global context

The SAR USA General Assembly opening plenary highlighted the value of supporting threatened scholars in the United States and worldwide. Jim Garrett, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Carnegie Mellon University, offered welcome remarks, inviting attendees to Carnegie Mellon University and the city of Pittsburgh. 

   

Keynote speakers Eve Darian-Smith (Distinguished Professor and Chair, Global and International Studies, University of California, Irvine and Abdullahi An-Naim, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Law Emeritus, Emory University, called for sustained efforts to protect academic freedom and support for scholars globally. Darian-Smith in her remarks discussed the broader trend of attacks on higher education and academic freedom, linking it to global anti-democratic movements. An-Naim called for a focus on promoting human rights globally and locally, emphasizing inter-personal connections and the importance of sustaining scholarly integrity and community. Additionally, he urged the audience to take stock of their ability and responsibility to support scholars in their home countries. and promote academic freedom. The session was moderated by Jane O. Newman, a member of the SAR U.S. Section Steering Committee and professor at the University of California, Irvine. 

Introduction to hosting scholars: Administrative models for building out a SAR program 

This workshop invited network representatives to learn about hosting at-risk scholars, exploring different strategies for funding at-risk scholar support and organizing scholars at risk programs, as well as best practices for creating a successful placement. This session was facilitated by: Veronica Dristas, University of Pittsburgh; Lisa Krieg, Carnegie Mellon University; Nancy Postero, SAR U.S. Steering Committee, University of California, San Diego; Leah Shapiro, Program Officer, SAR

 

Student engagement: Student Advocacy Seminars and the Scholars in Prison Project

This session introduced SAR’s Student Advocacy Seminars, SAR’s Scholars in Prison Project, and presented highlights from advocacy campaigns of alumni courses. It was led by: Adam Braver, SAR Student Advocacy Faculty Coordinator; Emma Hansen, Student Advocacy Seminar Alumna, Roger Williams University. Learn more about SAR’s Student Advocacy Seminars here. 

   

Scholar connections

This was a private session for scholars and practitioners to discuss shared experiences in academia in the United States, including challenges, successes, and future opportunities. It was facilitated by: Alfred Babo, SAR Board & Alumni Scholar, Fairfield University; Masoud Noori, SAR U.S. Section Steering Committee & Alumni Scholar; Sarina Rosenthal, Scholar Placement Manager, SAR.

 

“What We Brought with Us,” by Academies in Exile

   

During lunch breaks, attendees had the option to walk through the exhibition “What We Brought with Us,” by Academies in Exile. “What We Brought with Us” is an exhibition of things people took when they fled persecution, suffering, and war. Co-curator of the exhibit, Vanessa Agnew, attended the SAR US General Assembly, offering insight and guided tours to attendees. 

SAR’s Free to Think 2024 report: Advocating for academic freedom 

   

This session introduced the newly released 2024 edition of SAR’s Free to Think report, SAR’s annual survey of attacks on academic freedom worldwide. Participants learned how SAR monitors and reports on academic freedom, and how this important work can energize campus communities to further commit to protecting and promoting the rights of scholars. It was led by: Rob Quinn, Executive Director, SAR; Brian Evans, Program Officer, SAR.

Sharing the Platform: Making the most of scholar placements

This session was a space for all members of the community – at-risk scholars/practitioners, hosts, administrators, support organizations, etc. – to share, listen, and learn about collaborative strategies for growth and advancement in academia in the U.S. Attendees focused on sharing experiences, resources, and lessons learned related to teaching, research, and academic service with the aim to collectively reflect on best practices. It was facilitated by: Alfred Babo, SAR Board & Alumni Scholar, Fairfield University; Anita Fábos, SAR U.S. Steering Committee Member, Clark University; Sarina Rosenthal, Scholar Placement Manager, SAR.

   

Town Hall: Challenges to Academic Freedom in the U.S.

This discussion-focused session explored current challenges to academic freedom in the U.S. and how SAR and the SAR U.S. Section might help. It was facilitated by Anne McCall, Chair, SAR U.S. Section Steering Committee, The College of Wooster; Rob Quinn, Executive Director, SAR.

   

 

Evening Reception and Conference Social, at the University of Pittsburgh, with remarks by Joseph McCarthy, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor, University of Pittsburgh. Attendees had the opportunity to take guided tours of Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning, commemorating ethnic communities who have helped to build the city of Pittsburgh. 

   

Thursday, October 17th

Planning for post placement – continuing in academia and beyond

 

This session explored strategies and pathways for scholars/practitioners to pursue academic careers or transition to roles outside academia, including insights on the job search process, building a strong network, and securing research funding. It was facilitated by Zuhal Yilmaz, North Carolina State University & SAR Alumna; Mark Brennan, Pennsylvania State University; Claudio Fogu, SAR Primary Representative, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Closing Plenary: The future of the SAR U.S. Section

     

The closing plenary featured keynotes from City of Asylum, an organization founded in Pittsburgh in 2004 to provide sanctuary to endangered writers and artists worldwide. Alexandra Hiniker, a member of the SAR U.S. Section Steering Committee and Director of the Sustainability Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University, began the session by reflecting on the links between sustainability and academic freedom before introducing the closing speakers. Rania Mamoun, a current writer-in-residence since 2019, shared her personal story of leaving Sudan and taking on a residency in Pittsburgh, PA. In particular, she recounted how Diane Samuels, a co-founder of City of Asylum, suggested daily creative activities to stay connected during the pandemic – a practice which resulted in her book of poetry, Something Evergreen Called Life. Henry Reese, co-founder of City of Asylum, discussed the organization’s mission to support endangered writers, its community-based model, and its partnerships with universities.

Rob Quinn, SAR Executive Director, thanked the SAR U.S. Section and those leading efforts to promote academic freedom on their respective campuses, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and sharing models for effective hosting and support for at-risk scholars. Quinn encouraged attendees to also review SAR’s Strategic Plan, while considering the future of the SAR U.S. Section.  Anne McCall, Chair of the SAR U.S. Section Steering Committee, and president of The College of Wooster, encouraged attendees to reflect on avenues for development within the U.S. Section, share feedback, and stay connected. 

Thank you to all who attended the SAR USA General Assembly!

The conference generated a sense of camaraderie and community amongst the attendees, highlighting global and national challenges to academic freedom while showcasing the example of local collaboration between Pittsburgh institutions. We extend our thanks to the organizers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh for their tireless efforts to make the event happen. As the U.S. Section of Scholars at Risk continues to grow, there will be more such gatherings. Please contact Brian Evans, SAR Program Officer, with any questions, suggestions, or ideas you might have at: be2219@nyu.edu.

Additional support for the General Assembly provided by:
President’s Office, The College of Wooster | Global Studies Center and the University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh | Provost’s Office, Carnegie Mellon University | Sustainability Initiative, Carnegie Mellon University | Center for the Arts in Society, Carnegie Mellon University | Humanitarian Action Center for Social Impact, Fairfield University | Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, University of Pittsburgh | Mellon Foundation | National Endowment for Democracy

Photo credit: Carnegie Mellon University Communications & Marketing