Because life is not a yes/no question: Why academic freedom matters to everyone

On January 31, 2026, SAR Executive Director Rob Quinn joined the Newport Art Museum in Rhode Island, USA, for their ongoing Winter Speaker Series to present on “Because life is not a yes/no question: Why academic freedom matters to everyone.”

Academic freedom is an often misunderstood and contested concept. At its essence, it’s the freedom of research professionals and educators, to seek the truth, to follow their research, their teaching, their ideas, and to share them in accordance with professional and ethical standards. Rob discussed the role of Scholars at Risk, which works to defend the research of academics nationally and internationally, and to clarify and explain academic freedom alongside freedom of expression.

“Which world do we choose for our children and grandchildren? The vision of world 1, where free institutions and scholars are linked by knowledge and truth-seeking, that’s what animated the creation of Scholars at Risk…and has sparked a global movement to defend the freedom to think, question, and share ideas.”

Enter the password “risk” to watch the recording.

The year 2025-2026 marks SAR’s 25th anniversary year, under the theme “Truth Matters.” Learn more about SAR’s 25th anniversary »