Center for Studies in Higher Education

Is there Academic Freedom in an Online World?

Principles of academic freedom are central to the ethos of a university. They govern the conduct of the events that make up the life of a university, providing that classes, lectures, symposia, conferences and colloquia are venues of open discussion and free dissent. Over the past year, because of the Covid pandemic, these venues have largely migrated from in-person venues to on-line platforms, and these platforms will continue to play an essential role going forward. With the increasing importance of on-line venues, does academic freedom retain the same meaning and offer the same protections? Is it compromised by the interests of hosting platforms? Is there academic freedom, as it has traditionally governed the dissemination of academic content, in an on-line world? Our symposium will explore these questions, and discuss their academic and legal ramifications and repercussions.