​Why should UCU defend academic freedom?

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• The issue of academic freedom is at the heart of the institution of the university, affecting both teaching and research, and should be of vital concern to everyone who works in Higher Education.

• It is a basic right for all workers to take part in the democratic process without fear of losing their livelihoods. Academic freedom extends particular protection to scholars. This is a central value distinguishing democracies from totalitarian regimes.

• All union members in a sector faced with increasing precarity, marketisation and managerialism must recognise that academic freedom cannot be taken for granted, but must be robustly and consistently promoted.

• When a vocal minority seeks to shut down academic freedom, it risks creating an impoverished intellectual environment which undermines the culture of dissent and productive disagreement that is essential to democracy.

• Attempts to censor and suppress research and publications have material consequences. Accurate data and analysis are essential to a functioning democracy, and arguably particularly vital for oppressed groups.

• The concept of academic freedom is meaningless if it does not extend to those with whom one disagrees. The UCU’s official statement on academic freedom recognises that the issue is bound up with broader civil liberties and human rights, and that academics must be free to express their opinions on matters of public interest, which may touch upon controversial or sensitive topics. This statement is hollow if not applied consistently.

• Authoritarian anti-intellectualism on the far right is unlikely to be defeated by its mirror image on the left. Defending academic freedom, while opposing all forms of authoritarian politics, is a basic function of our union.