In the contemporary moment, academic freedom in places near and far faces threats from various directions – from authoritarian regimes, exigencies of war and occupation, and intolerant state and non-state actors, to profit-maximisation models and audit cultures in the realms of education. What are the means that we can muster for safeguarding academic freedom and the conditions for critical thinking in these turbulent times? How can it be legitimised as a right that transcends international boundaries? How can it be asserted when it is threatened in relatively oblique ways? We are expecting that our speakers will draw on their first-hand experiences as well as their research to address these themes.
Speakers include Prof Homa Hoodfar, Concordia University, Montreal; Dr Jamil Khader, Dean of Research, Bethlehem University, Ms Sinead O’Gorman, European Director, Scholars at Risk, as well as Scholars who have faced risk in their own country as a result of their work.
The event will also include a session on how Irish students can contribute to the work of Scholars at Risk by participating in research activities on behalf of the organisation. Students with an interest in human rights and international justice issues are strongly encouraged to attend.
A Draft Programme is available at: http://universitiesireland.ie/sar-event-academic-freedom-in-turbulent-times-6-nov-maynooth-university/
This event is free but please register at: http://universitiesireland.ie/sar-event-academic-freedom-in-turbulent-times-6-nov-maynooth-university
The event runs from 10.15-4.30 on 6th November in Renehan Hall, on the South Campus of Maynooth University. Lunch will be provided on the day for participants.