Textbox 1.1 The Kierulf Committee’s proposed declaration on academic freedom of expression

Academic freedom of expression is rooted in our need to seek truth and knowledge. As a society, we depend on continuously seeking new understanding, which also entails challenging established truths. Free research and open discussion and criticism are prerequisites for scientific advances – and for them to be exploited for the common good. This freedom goes hand in hand with a responsibility to be objective and adhere to the ethical norms and professional standards of the various academic disciplines. Nevertheless, there is always a freedom to challenge these same standards.

As full members of an academic community, students also have academic freedom of expression. However, full membership does not mean they are fully fledged academics: Students shall therefore have the opportunity and a responsibility to receive instruction in scientific argumentation and thinking.

As independent stewards of academic freedom and academic freedom of expression, academic institutions are crucial for diversity and division of power in society Academic freedom obliges academia to create the broadest possible arena for use of academic freedom of expression. Managers and other leaders in academia must assume responsibility for supporting, promoting and protecting academic staff and students in the active use of their academic freedom of expression.

Free speech is the lifeblood of academia. The institutions must therefore not place restrictions on academic staff and students’ freedom to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn. An employee or student who wants to present problems, theories and views must have the opportunity to be heard – and to be confronted with questions, counter-arguments and criticism.

Academic institutions shall promote a culture of free speech characterised by mutual acceptance and respect for disagreement, thereby contributing to a civilised discussion. They have a duty to safeguard employees and students who are subjected to unlawful expressions. However, it is not up to the institutions to protect staff and students from lawful expressions that many people disagree with or find offensive. Freedom of expression also protects embarrassing, unacceptable, immoral, unpleasant, shocking and offensive expressions. The institutions can regulate the time, place and format of activities in a way that promotes orderly discussion, but this must not restrict free and open debate. It is up to the academic staff and students, not the institutions, to applaud and commend expressions or dispute them using counter-arguments. Academic discussion requires that people’s expressions are not met with silence. It requires recognition that views with which one deeply disagrees also have a place in the public sphere.

It is a central task for academic institutions to nurture academics’ ability and readiness to engage in good debate and to protect their freedom to engage in discourse if someone tries to restrict it. Academic freedom and academic freedom of expression require an open culture of debate, and the institutions should therefore defend and promote debate on controversial topics. Both staff and students must engage in free discussion of controversial academic issues and be given training in critical assessment of different views, including their own.

Disciplines, faculties or institutes characterised by conformity or limited diversity of opinion are particularly encouraged to open up to and explore contrary views and approaches from outside their field.¹

Textbox 1.2 The Kierulf Committee’s ground rules for free speech

These ground rules for free speech can constitute a useful framework for academic freedom of expression. They are intended to serve as a checklist for everyone who wants to promote a good culture of free speech.

• Use your freedom of expression and freedom of information, also outside academic circles.

• Be brave, objective, honest and accurate with facts.

• Seek the truth, support disseminators, and welcome opposing views.

• Be an open-minded reader and listener, and a reasonable and generous colleague.

• Interpret opponents’ arguments in the best possible way – for them.

• Attack the ball, not the player. Use arguments, not personal attacks.

• Be friendly, even if you disagree.

• Mistakes can be important. Acknowledge them, your own and others’.

• Know when to turn back. There is no shame in changing your mind – indeed, it is an academic virtue.

• Conduct yourself with consideration – you are an ambassador for academia.¹