Universities in sight: academic freedom under pressure in the USA!

Universities in sight: academic freedom under pressure in the USA!

Medical higher education in Germany is facing challenges due to increasing political influences. The Brandenburg Theodor Fontane Medical School (MHB) recently issued a clear statement in solidarity with Harvard University and other academic institutions that are under political pressure. In its statement, the MHB reiterates its support of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and expresses concern about developments in the USA, where diversity programs at universities are being curtailed and control over foreign students is being increased. These trends are perceived as a threat to academic freedom and diversity at universities, which are considered the cornerstone of excellent teaching and research.

The declaration anchors the fundamental belief that freedom of research and teaching as well as institutional independence are essential for innovation and social progress. Above all, the MHB calls for protection against party-political influence on research, teaching and university access, and emphasizes that interventions may only take place on the basis of constitutional procedures. Academic freedom is defined in the context of its own ethical principles as something valuable that is firmly anchored in its mission statement.

University autonomy and academic freedom

The MHB also points out the fundamental rights that universities are entitled to in accordance with Article 5 Paragraph 3 of the Basic Law in Germany. This freedom cannot be taken for granted, as universities are founded and financed by the state. According to the findings of the Humboldt University in Berlin, universities can insist on their academic freedom, which has been recognized since the Weimar Republic. The Federal Constitutional Court has confirmed this freedom as essential for independent decisions about research and teaching.

University autonomy includes not only organizational independence, but also the right to self-government. The question of who can invoke academic freedom applies to presidiums, professors, postdocs, doctoral students and students. The Federal Constitutional Court emphasizes that universities are not companies and that political influence on research is never acceptable. These principles ensure that academic freedom is protected, but also that universities must exercise vigilance against political pressure.

Strategies to Protect Academic Freedom

In the context of international developments, the European University Association (EUA) also addressed the issue of academic freedom. In its recently published position paper, the EUA calls for measures to support and protect academic freedom. Monika Steinel, Deputy Secretary General of the EEA, highlights that the pressure on academic freedom has increased in recent years, a pressure characterized by social and political polarization as well as uncertainties in democratic systems.

The EUA advocates a “toolbox” with concrete measures to support universities. This includes developing a common understanding of academic freedom, promoting training and ensuring functional, collegial structures. It is also recommended to protect researchers from undue external pressure and to ensure adequate funding to maintain independence. These strategies are also important for the MHB, as it deals with the findings of international studies such as those from Harvard University in its own research projects and constantly strives to improve health care in Brandenburg. Overall, it shows that the protection of academic freedom and university autonomy is of fundamental importance in a politically complex time.