We, the undersigned, believe that academic freedom is the foundation of higher education and democracy. In recent months, we have witnessed an alarming rise in political interference, censorship, and public pressure campaigns that threaten the independence of universities and the ability of faculty to teach, research, and speak openly.
Professors and researchers are increasingly targeted for addressing subjects such as race, religion, extremism, gender identity, and other socially sensitive topics.
We therefore call on:
University leaders to firmly defend the academic freedom of faculty and students, regardless of political pressure.
State and federal lawmakers to refrain from imposing restrictions on curriculum, teaching, or research that are motivated by ideology or partisan politics.
The public and media to recognize the dangers of targeted harassment campaigns and to support the right of educators to pursue truth without fear.
Academic freedom is not a partisan issue — it is a cornerstone of democracy, innovation, and human progress. If we allow censorship and intimidation to silence educators, we endanger not just universities but the future of free thought itself.
