‘Respect academic freedoms’, rectors tell governments

Ten national rectors’ associations have signed a joint declaration warning against rising anti-democratic forces and calling on governments not to interfere in academia.

“We express our concern for those movements that—within and outside of Europe—are on the rise and threaten the democratic character of our institutions and our society,” the joint declaration, signed on 13 December, said.

“We also call on governments to prevent any form of interference in science, research, development, and development of the arts, and especially teaching and institutional autonomy.”