Statement on Academic Freedom

Today the ANU Academic Board released its statement on Academic Freedom.

The ANU Academic Board has been working, with the support of the Vice-Chancellor, on the issue of Academic Freedom since August 2017. This work has included engaging with external experts, benchmarking with domestic and international peers, conducting a whole of University survey to solicit opinion and insight, and of course, impassioned consultation and debate.

"Our statement builds upon the existing safeguards enshrined in our Code of Conduct, to explicitly recognise the centrality of Academic Freedom to the activities of ANU," Chair of the Academic Board, Professor Jacqueline Lo said.

"Importantly, the Statement is an affirmation of our values and a commitment to continue as the leading institution upholding Academic Freedom in Australia, and internationally."

The statement was welcomed by ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt, who said that Academic Freedom was one of the founding principles of ANU.

"For us to continue to stand among the great universities of the world, we must protect academic freedom within the University to enable the pursuit of knowledge and the exploration of challenging and new ideas that are fundamental to our purpose."

Over the coming months, members of Academic Board and the University Executive will review our policy framework to ensure that there is a strong alignment between the Statement of Academic Freedom and existing policies to ensure there is clear guidance and support for staff, students and official visitors.

You can download a copy of the statement here.