List for Academic Freedom FPN

The core mission of a university is to generate and disseminate knowledge. To fulfil this mission, it is imperative that academics can work free from political pressure. Yet universities are increasingly asked to take position on social and political issues that do not concern this core mission. Once a university takes a position on such issues it silences opposing voices, hinders debate, limits academic freedom, threatening its core mission. It is our research and teaching that should make the world a better place, but that can only be achieved if the university as an institution remains neutral. 

The List for Academic Freedom and Institutional Neutrality therefore stands for a university that:

1. Embraces viewpoint diversity and dissent.

2. Facilitates honest and open academic debate, while protecting the members of the community from intimidation and discrimination.

3. Remains politically neutral. A university that takes a position on political issues inherently inhibits the freedom of dissent it should embrace.

4. Allows its employees to collaborate with relevant academic and societal partners, free from political interference from students, colleagues, the board, or the government.