University rectors warn of growing threats to academic freedom
The rectors of Belgium’s 10 universities have warned of the threat to academic freedom amid increasing pressure on scientists, De Morgen reports.
“In a fragmented and fragile world, universities remain a beacon of connection, dialogue and progress,” they say in a joint communication. “But only if we safeguard their independence and integrity and collectively dedicate ourselves to protecting academic freedom.”
Belgium is in the top five countries for academic freedom, according to the Academic Freedom Index, while almost half the world's population lives in countries where it is seriously threatened. But Belgium must be vigilant, the rectors say, with examples from the US and elsewhere showing that circumstances can change quickly.
“Universities should not be safe spaces, but brave spaces,” Jan Danckaert, rector of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and president of VLIR, the conference of Flemish rectors, told De Morgen. “We’re seeing how the debate here is hardening and polarising.”
Think twice
Scientists are under attack, they say, from insults on social media to death threats in the most extreme cases. Young, female researchers are given a particularly hard time.
“I think twice before participating in the public debate,” says KU Leuven professor of Chinese studies Dorien Emmers, a columnist for De Morgen. “When I shared my first column on social media, I immediately received a huge amount of criticism. People asked: ‘Who did you have sex with to get this?’”
There is also an impact on the research that academics conduct. “I’m afraid of the reactions when we publish our results,” says Cecile Meeusen of KU Leuven, who researches sex education in schools.
“I already forbid my thesis students to seek testimonials through social media; they have to do that through their own network. We want to protect them.”
Tipping point
Covid was a tipping point, according to several academics contacted by De Morgen, with anti-scientific opinions, attacks and intimidation towards scientists appearing to have gained momentum since then. That climate is now being inflamed by political developments.
In the US, research considered too “woke” is no longer given subsidies and research grants have been scrapped with little notice.
UGent rector Rik van de Walle, who spent time in the US completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Arizona, voiced support for Harvard University in May when the government threatened to withdraw funding over issues such as diversity, face masks and student support for Palestine.
Funding under pressure
UGent has also raised concerns about the growing risks associated with academic cooperation with the US under Donald Trump’s administration. In a communication to staff earlier in the year, it warned that recent US measures were placing pressure on academic freedom and the autonomy of educational institutions.
While the situation in Belgium is different, funding for higher education is under increasing pressure.
“And when there is insufficient funding for research, you start taking fewer risks,” philosopher Johan Braeckman said. “You choose safe topics, but they are often boring topics. As a researcher, you have to dare to investigate new, daring ideas that might yield surprising conclusions. That’s what science is about.”
#FlandersNewsService | VUB rector Jan Danckaert © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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