Academic freedom in danger: Universities show solidarity with the USA

Academic freedom in danger: Universities show solidarity with the USA

On April 11, 2025, the University of Freiburg as well as the Science Council (WR) and the University Rectors' Conference (HRK) came together to issue a statement that sharply criticized the ongoing attacks on academic freedom in the USA. This joint initiative represents a clear solidarity with US scientists and research institutions. The WR and HRK emphasize that academic freedom is a central component of every liberal-democratic society and warn of the serious consequences that populist attacks on this freedom can have.

The Trump administration's policies are seen as a serious threat to the scientific community. Massive funding cuts and layoffs are endangering many academic institutions and disciplines, especially in the areas of health and climate research as well as parts of the humanities and social sciences. What is particularly worrying is that every area of ​​research is potentially threatened. These attacks create a climate of intimidation and self-censorship among scientists.

International cooperation and its threats

Germany and the USA have been important partners in research for decades. U.S. institutions play an essential role in global scientific collaboration. Therefore, attacks on science in one country are considered a threat to the entire scientific community worldwide. The WR and HRK therefore reiterate their support for our colleagues in the USA who are suffering from these attacks.

In recent years, restrictions on academic institutions in the United States have increased alarmingly. Grants to prestigious institutions such as Cornell University, worth $1 billion, and Northwestern University, $790 million, have been suspended. Princeton University even reported losses of $210 million due to anti-Semitism allegations, while Harvard University was forced to make changes to its programs in order to continue receiving federal funding. Columbia University is also under pressure after $400 million in federal funding was cut.

In this tense situation, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) expresses clear criticism of government policy. The UCS protests against the influence of Elon Musk and the activities of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). They report an abrupt halt to research projects and grants that had already been approved by Congress. These developments not only raise concerns but confirm fears about a growing climate of intimidation at academic institutions.

Resistance to injustice

Another significant concern is the legal resistance to the deportation of student Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested on March 8, 2025. Judge Jamee Comans has ordered the Trump administration to submit evidence by April 9. Public interest in Khalil's case is strong - almost 600 participants attended a court-hosted video call. The situation shows how precarious the right of residence for international students in the USA has become; Around 300 of them had their right of residence revoked nationwide.

Overall, the statement from the University of Freiburg as well as the WR and HRK illustrates the urgent need to stand up for academic freedom and the rights of scientists worldwide and to resolutely counter the attacks. This solidarity is crucial to protect scientific integrity and unhindered research.

The developments taking place in the USA have not only local but also global implications. Academic freedom is a universal norm that must be defended. Attacks against them cannot go uncommented, as recent events have shown.

[forschung-und-lehre.de] reports that academic freedom has been increasingly targeted in recent years, which has far-reaching consequences for the community. The academic world is facing a test that not only goes beyond the scope of countries, but also calls global scientific cooperation into question.

[uni-freiburg.de] emphasizes how important it is to position oneself in solidarity with scientists who work in a hostile environment. Only by joining forces can this attack on academic freedom be effectively combated.

[forschung-und-lehre.de] nevertheless promotes hope for resistance and engagement in the scientific community in order to overcome the ongoing challenges.