In a joint letter, SFS together with several other organizations in the higher education sector have called on the government to issue an additional directive on academic freedom in the ongoing constitutional investigation. The aim is to further protect and promote academic freedom in Sweden by writing it into the constitution.
SFS, together with Sweden's Universities and Colleges Association (SUHF), Sweden's University Teachers and Researchers (SULF) and Sweden's Young Academy (SUA), have sent a letter to Education Minister Mats Persson and State Secretary Maria Nilsson about academic freedom. The letter emphasizes the need to further protect academic freedom in Sweden through an additional directive in the ongoing constitutional investigation. 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. The educational institutions cannot guarantee and protect teachers' and researchers' ability to spread knowledge on their own. The policy must also ensure the right for teachers and researchers to highlight all forms of facts and scientifically based knowledge in the media, in the classroom and in the public conversation. This right needs to be safeguarded and protected by the constitution.
The current parliamentary committee, which is investigating the protection of fundamental freedoms and rights, is therefore asked to obtain an additional 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.