In a joint letter, SFS, together with several other organizations in the higher education sector, has urged the government to issue a supplementary directive on academic freedom in the ongoing constitutional inquiry. The aim is to further protect and promote academic freedom in Sweden by enshrining it in the constitution.
SFS, together with the Swedish University and Higher Education Association (SUHF), the Swedish Association of University Teachers and Researchers (SULF) and the Young Academy of Sweden (SUA), has sent a letter to the Minister of Education, Mats Persson, and State Secretary Maria Nilsson about academic freedom. The letter emphasizes the need to further protect academic freedom in Sweden through a supplementary directive in the ongoing constitutional inquiry. In the letter, we refer to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which emphasizes the importance of protecting academic freedom.
It is positive that academic freedom is enshrined in the Higher Education Act, but it is not enough. Higher education institutions cannot on their own guarantee and protect teachers and researchers' ability to disseminate knowledge. Politics must also ensure the right of teachers and researchers to highlight all forms of facts and scientifically based knowledge in the media, in the classroom and in public discourse. This right needs to be safeguarded and protected through the constitution.
The current parliamentary committee, which investigates the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, is therefore urged to obtain a supplementary directive that specifically addresses academic freedom.
Jacob Färnert, chairman of SFS, on the need for this additional directive:
– For me, the students and SFS, academic freedom is not only central to our universities and colleges, but also to our entire society. By protecting and promoting academic freedom in our constitution, we can ensure a stronger and more robust academy in Sweden. It is a necessity that we as a nation fully fulfill our commitments as a democracy.
Read the full letter below.