Australia needs academic freedom

Posted by admin in Academic Freedom, News on 20. Oct, 2009 | 1 Comment

Since the announcement that the Commonwealth Government would act to legislate to protect academic freedom, we have seen this important right be turned into a political football.
Mike Riddiford writes in The Australian:
As befits such a protean concept, issues of academic freedom, or lack thereof, are pivotal to many academic controversies. For instance, when the University [...]

NTEU wins commitment to academic freedom protections

Posted by admin in Academic Freedom, News on 20. Oct, 2009 | 0 Comments

The NTEU has succeeded in convincing the Commonwealth Government to commit to legislating for the protection of academic freedom. The Australian reports:
DRAFT legislation to enshrine academic freedom and limit ministerial interference in university research could be released next year.
The legislation would also aim to thwart racist or other extreme attacks by academics on members of [...]

Dissenting Thai Professor flees to England

Posted by admin in Academic Freedom, News on 10. Feb, 2009 | 0 Comments

Giles Ji Ungpakorn, a prominent Thai professor who has joint British and Thai nationality fled Thailand yesterday (Monday 9 February). Ungpakorn is facing the charge of “lese majesty” – offence against the monarchy – for his book A Coup for the Ric, in which he criticises the 2006 military coup.
From the UK Guardian:
Giles Ji Ungpakorn, [...]

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