Academics, labour researchers and trade unionists from over 50 countries who participated in the XII Global Labour University Conference held in JNU recently appealed to the JNU Vice-Chancellor to uphold academic freedom and the right to disagree.
‘Open debates’
The Chairperson of the International Steering Committee, Michelle Williams, wrote to the JNU Vice-Chancellor saying, “We firmly believe that the basic foundations of progress, understanding and peaceful development are to be found in academic freedom, empirical research into the realities of today’s world, and open debates about how to interpret academic findings and how to connect them into the realm of decision-making”.
Recent concerns
She added that it was in this context that she was expressing concerns about recent developments and administrative measures that encroach upon academic freedom and the right to disagree in academic decision making.
Autonomous working
“We are concerned that these measures may lead to a situation that will jeopardise fair and autonomous academic functioning of a world-renowned university,” wrote Ms. Williams.
She expressed hope that an academic atmosphere will prevail at JNU in which knowledge can be freely generated for the benefit of all strata of society – in India and elsewhere.