Academic freedom

Action against RMIT service comes as institutions support ‘yes’ vote in forthcoming Australian referendum

Researcher who revealed censorship of gender critical feminists says no-debate policies on transgender issues are causing ‘scholarly paralysis’

Politicians, the public and judges have grown tired of deferring to universities’ opaque decision-making processes, as illustrated by Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action in admissions, say Anthony Carnevale and Peter Schmidt

‘Narrow-mindedness’ over China in US universities driven by fear of losing government funding, says Denis Simon

US universities look to alternative ways of ensuring diverse views are respected, reflecting differing approaches to the ‘crisis’

Leaked draft of summertime power grab has spooked scientists, but most admit country’s network of 76 institutes needs reform

University one of the few to avoid pushing an institutional line on the forthcoming Australian referendum

While the removal of opportunities for political ‘meddling’ has drawn widespread approval, research advocates want more funding

Government steps up scrutiny of university over BJP-critical paper while academics urge Ashoka to reinstate its author

Possibility of tensions flaring again on first anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death sparks attempts to keep students away from campuses

Minister hints at punishment with unprecedented letter to National Science Centre over project exploring the role of bondage and domination in the development of trans identities

University of Surrey sets up Hong Kong studies hub as political pressures drive Hong Kong academics to the UK

Institution critiqued for ‘pre-emptive self-censorship’, perhaps to avoid falling afoul of government

Almost nine in 10 respondents say they feel free to express themselves on campus in response to new question

Ministry in foundation model talks with two universities as insider worries about future interference at conservatoire

Rising numbers of faculty from mainland China face atmosphere of ‘suspicion and mistrust’, researcher claims

Ombudsman says British government did not do enough to protect Matthew Hedges during his detention in the United Arab Emirates

Former Mermaids trustee and trans activist Jacob Breslow says his gender studies colleagues should be ‘left to continue their vital teaching and research in peace’

Leaders say a vote curbing Supreme Court powers has forced them to speak out, but they must still consider pro-government faculty and staff as the state heads for civil strife

Battle over who should have final say over professorship appointments demonstrates difficulty in reconciling starkly different academic cultures

Landmark report has generated applause but could deny vice-chancellors a free hand

Days after president quits, massive institution alleged to have been part of another high-profile case of political interference

Former Oxford v-c Louise Richardson is wrong to dismiss the need for a free speech tsar in a massified system, says Ian Pace 

Katherine Banks exits as fact-finding committee examines botched recruitment of Kathleen McElroy as director of journalism

Patrick Zaki earned gender studies master’s remotely after serving 22 months in pre-trial detention for writing about the experiences of Egypt’s Coptic Christians during studies in Italy

The unravelling of internationalisation and academic freedom is likely to come with a repurposing of research to military ends, says Maria Yudkevich

More than 20 public agencies could be turned into just three, but sector leaders are wary of the government’s intentions

China is ‘stealing UK academic research’ in ‘plain sight’ and suppressing political dissent on campus, says intelligence committee

More than 500 scholars condemn South Asian University’s actions against faculty who supported students during hunger strikes

Ministers only want to protect freedom of speech that they agree with, claims former Oxford vice-chancellor

US funder wants overseas partners to share all data and lab notebooks every three months

Claire Coutinho argues the free speech act is already having impact on campuses and praises university leaders for response

Union president at transgender row university backs action against ‘bigots’, but draws the line at property destruction

While admitting the much-protested model is dead in the US, Dartmouth’s Hanlon leads expert panel in setting out ways that similar language-culture teaching programmes could grow

New guidelines for government-funded universities in India lack critical engagement and follow a political agenda, scholars say 

University says data gathered by new technology will only help to assess how buildings are used, but staff fear repercussions of increased surveillance

In campaigns to isolate China and deny disinformation, federal lawmakers join angry activists in besieging universities and their researchers

As annual legislative sessions conclude around the country, academic interference eases but budgetary hopes also fade away

Pollster acknowledges limitations of survey but says findings show need for government, regulator and institutions to take the issue seriously

Supporters say new director will not be afraid to use new powers to ensure free speech duties are followed, but many still question the need for such a position

Having discussed the gender critical philosopher’s work with students, it’s hard to accept her gloomy assessment of silenced people, says Tony Lang

Universities are places where ideas are proposed and improved. It shouldn’t be so hard to discuss an issue with far-reaching implications, say 20 academics

Philosopher tells Oxford Union people must realise ‘the world does not end’ when you have disagreements

Bill to enforce two-year participation ‘meant to target critics at home rather than defend country’, scholars warn

Wide-ranging new powers aimed at cancelling cancel culture predicted to have a ‘seismic’ impact on English universities

Case prompts renewed concern over plight of lecturers on temporary contracts

DeSantis, in derisive showing at politically battered campus, enacts measure that also ends diversity hiring

Posters calling philosopher a ‘fascist’ appear on campus after she backed event branded ‘dehumanising’ by her boss

A new registration condition, complaints scheme and system of penalties all require careful thought, says Jamie Roberts

Florida’s partisan attack on New College bolsters iconoclastic Massachusetts campus as it rebuilds from near closure

Six legal cases lodged in bid to release billions of euros of funding, locked away because of threats to university autonomy

Government policy is ‘a lot of hot air’ given lack of support for female faculty, says scholar

Avoidance of questions about prime minister’s qualifications suggests growing political interference, scholars say

New College of Florida governing board assembled by governor refuses faculty-backed professor candidates

Legislation aiming to eradicate ‘cancel culture’ will be used across political spectrum, not only by Conservatives, former minister predicts

Higher Education Commission could be given control over v-c appointments at public universities, with ‘disastrous consequences’ for autonomy

Governance strategy by Trump-backing Republican governor held up by national group of university trustees as model to be emulated

Review calls for reduction in ministerial veto powers, highlights ARC’s role as ‘guardian of basic research’, but keeps applied research in the mix

Outgoing president laments partisan attacks on academia as he is criticised for handing a major honour to top funder of Ron DeSantis

Academics warn that move to ‘stifle’ youth political involvement betrays ‘insecurity’ by ruling party