Second Inter-University Workshop – US Regional Meeting (Worcester, MA)

Reimagining Academic Freedom: Leadership from Global Scholars in Exile

Second Inter-University Workshop
May 8, 2026 | Clark University, Worcester, MA

The Integration and Belonging Hub, Scholars at Risk (SAR) and regional university partners invite faculty and administrators to participate in a one-day, invitation-only workshop exploring how institutions can better support and advance academic freedom in the United States.

At a time of increasing pressures on higher education, this workshop centers the knowledge and lived experiences of scholars in exile—individuals who have navigated threats to academic freedom firsthand. Their perspectives offer critical insight into how institutions can respond more effectively to emerging challenges.

Building on the “Share the Platform” framework, the workshop moves beyond traditional models of support to emphasize equitable collaboration, shared authority, and the co-creation of knowledge. Participants will engage in dialogue with scholars and peers from across New England, examining how universities can shift from inclusion to genuine partnership in shaping academic spaces.

8:30am – 9am	Registration and coffee
9am – 9:45 am	Session 1 What it Means to “Share the Platform” in an academic setting
10am – 11: 15 am	Session 2: Centering Scholars in Exile in Debates about Academic Freedom
11:15am – 11:30 am	COFFEE
11:30am – 1pm	Session 3: Strategies for Advancing Exiled Scholars’ Expertise in Higher Education
1pm – 2:30pm	LUNCH
2:30pm – 4pm	Session 4: An Academic Freedom Strategy Lab for Designing Shared Platforms
4pm – 4:30pm	BREAK
4:30pm – 6pm	Reception

This workshop is part of an ongoing inter-university series hosted by Clark University’s Integration and Belonging Hub, in collaboration with Scholars at Risk and regional partners. It aims to foster a growing community of practice committed to protecting academic freedom and strengthening higher education through inclusive, globally informed leadership.

A reception following the workshop will provide additional opportunities for connection and engagement with the Scholars at Risk network.