Academic Solidarity e.V.

Based on the Academic Freedom Index 2024, Turkey has been spotlighted for its particularly low ranking in academic freedom, a decline attributed to the widespread purges in academia following 2016 and autocratic managerial practices within higher education institutions. The report indicates a significant downturn in academic freedom in Turkey, correlating this decline with increased political and societal polarization which, in many instances, has seen universities caught in the throes of national political conflicts.

The implications are stark, with the erosion of academic freedom not only threatening the quality of education and research but also stifling the intellectual growth and freedoms of scholars and students alike. The report underscores the urgent need for international solidarity and support for academics in Turkey, highlighting that global academic freedom is under threat, with 23 countries experiencing declines.

This worrying trend reflects broader global patterns where political pressures and autocratic tendencies increasingly infringe upon university autonomy and academic integrity. The narrative serves as a rallying call for the global community to recognize the profound impacts of such political interference and to act to safeguard academic freedoms at the institutional and national levels.

Academic Solidarity e.V., committed to fostering education and supporting academics and students under risk, has announced the initiation of a comprehensive scholarship program aimed at assisting undergraduate and graduate students who have faced persecution or disadvantage due to their or their parents’ circumstances.

The scholarship program is designed to provide financial aid to eligible students studying in the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland. It covers tuition fees, housing, and other compulsory needs to ensure the continuation of their education. Priority will be given to students who have experienced discrimination or are children of academics who have been politically, religiously, or socially discriminated against in their home countries.

Candidates eligible for this scholarship include those accepted into universities or research institutions within specified European countries, demonstrating good academic achievements, and having a history of participating in social responsibility projects or voluntary activities.

The application process requires candidates to submit a comprehensive package including a CV, academic transcripts, acceptance certificates from educational institutions, and letters of reference, among other documents. These applications are assessed on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, personal motivation, and the severity of the circumstances the applicant has overcome.

The program not only aims to provide financial support but also assigns a “Scholarship Counselor” to each recipient to aid in their academic journey and ensure they meet continued success criteria. At the end of their study period, scholarship recipients are expected to submit a report detailing their academic and project progress. This initiative by Academic Solidarity e.V. emphasizes the importance of academic support systems in promoting equitable access to education and supporting those who strive to overcome significant barriers to their academic and personal development. Please click for detailed information, data protection, and the application form.

The catastrophic impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached a horrifying new zenith with the systematic destruction of educational infrastructure, termed ‘scholasticide’ by observers. According to a recent report from The Guardian, Israeli forces have destroyed or damaged 80% of schools in Gaza as part of broader military operations that have decimated the region’s educational system.

The intentional targeting of educational facilities has resulted in a staggering loss of life and a significant interruption in education for thousands of Palestinian students. A study highlighted in the report points out that in the wake of these attacks, Israeli forces bombed six United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) schools in northern Gaza alone, along with numerous other educational institutions across the region.

This pattern of destruction is not only a direct attack on Palestinian students but also on the broader cultural and intellectual fabric of the society. The loss extends beyond immediate physical damage, impacting generations of Palestinians by stripping away opportunities for education, cultural enrichment, and social advancement.

The international community and academic institutions worldwide must recognize the gravity of this issue and initiate steps to support the affected populations. Concrete actions could include international advocacy, the establishment of emergency educational funds, and the development of online educational resources and platforms to mitigate the loss of traditional learning environments.

In solidarity with the victims of these attacks, it is imperative to provide support for the reconstruction of educational facilities and to ensure continuous educational opportunities for Palestinian students. The resilience of these communities, in the face of such adversity, underscores the critical importance of education as a fundamental human right and as a cornerstone of societal development and peace. As the conflict continues to evolve, the focus must remain steadfast on the preservation and restoration of educational opportunities as an essential component of humanitarian aid and conflict resolution.

Racial and ethnic discrimination in academic settings not only hampers student well-being but also severely impacts their academic outcomes. A growing body of research underscores how pervasive this issue is across global educational landscapes, including notable developed democracies where one might expect a higher standard of equity and inclusion.

Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, such as the study by Civitillo, Mayer, and Jugert published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, reveal that students perceive significant racial and ethnic discrimination from educators, with measurable negative effects on both psychological well-being and academic performance. The study, which synthesized data from 68 research studies, highlights a critical need for policy changes and intervention at educational institutions to combat these deeply ingrained issues.

The phenomenon isn’t confined to the U.S.; across Europe and other parts of the world, similar patterns of discrimination echo through educational corridors. Discrimination by teachers significantly correlates with lower well-being and academic achievements among students, manifesting in higher substance use and lower GPA scores.

Adding to the discourse, Milkman, Akinola, and Chugh through their field experiments in the Journal of Applied Psychology, illustrate how even before formal academic processes begin, racial and gender biases significantly shape the academic pathways of potential students, particularly those from minority backgrounds. This pre-entry discrimination sets a concerning stage for continuous and systemic racial bias that affects not just students but also faculty recruitment and retention.

In light of these findings, it is paramount for academic institutions to bolster efforts toward creating a more inclusive environment. This includes revising teacher training programs to incorporate anti-racist pedagogies and developing more robust support systems for racially and ethnically diverse students. Additionally, universities must actively work towards increasing the representation of minority faculties, which has shown potential in mitigating racial biases and enhancing academic outcomes for minority students.

As political tides shift globally towards more conservative and exclusionary practices, the academic sector must renew its commitment to solidarity, inclusivity, and diversity. This is essential not only for the enrichment of academic environments but also as a fundamental stand against the broader societal currents of discrimination and inequality.

In a collaborative study by Technical University Munich (TUM) and Augsburg University, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on Turkish health professionals who have migrated to various countries around the world. The outcomes of this study are encapsulated in a Kindle book entitled “Voices in Exile: Healthcare Workers’ Journeys from Turkey to the World,” which details the motivations, experiences, and expectations of 513 healthcare professionals (https://a.co/d/aE1lWza).

“After crossing the river, I heard the last call to prayer from the city. Leaving Turkey was not a choice but a necessity to stay healthy. We hid for two nights, avoiding soldiers, then came the arrest and camp process. After days, I finally washed with tap water, which felt like a luxury. In the camp, bedbug bites caused huge swellings on my legs, and we stayed in a container with 10-11 people. Everybody had a different story, but our resentment and hopes were the same.”

This publication serves as a crucial platform for the voices of these professionals, illuminating the diverse and often challenging paths they navigate in their new countries. It highlights not just their personal journeys but also the significant role academic solidarity plays in supporting these migrant scientists and healthcare workers.

The phenomenon of brain drain, exacerbated by political instability and oppression in their home countries, poses a global challenge as countries lose their educated and skilled workforce. This makes it imperative for host countries and academic institutions to forge robust support systems and integration programs. Effective measures might include offering language support, recognizing professional qualifications, and facilitating community integration to ensure that these professionals can effectively contribute to and thrive in their new settings.

The situation underscores the need for a renewed commitment to academic solidarity. Universities and professional networks are called upon to actively support displaced academics and health professionals, thereby upholding the ideals of academic freedom and fostering a more inclusive and resilient global scientific community.

On August 27, 2024, a knife attack occurred in Solingen that deeply shocked German society. The suspected perpetrator, a Syrian immigrant, was arrested by police near the crime scene after behaving suspiciously. This event has reignited discussions about the integration of immigrants in Germany.

It is crucial to emphasize in this discussion that many migrants who come to Germany are highly qualified academics who make significant contributions to German society. Statistics show that a significant number of people who have immigrated to Germany have academic degrees. This group also includes health professionals, engineers and scientists who are often no longer able to work in their home countries for political or economic reasons.

An example of the positive integration of this group is the book “Voices in Exile: Healthcare Workers’ Journeys from Turkey to the World” (https://a.co/d/5yHJLXk), which documents the stories of 513 immigrant healthcare workers who are now making a valuable contribution around the world.

Associations founded by immigrants, such as Academic Solidarity e.V., must condemn in the strongest possible terms any form of terror and violence. Such acts of terror contradict the basic values ​​of humanity and academic solidarity that such associations promote.

The tragic events such as the attack in Solingen should not obscure the fact that the vast majority of immigrants, including many academics, are looking for security and better living conditions and are ready to make a positive contribution in their new homeland. It remains a social and political challenge to recognize and promote this potential.

Knowledge should know no borders, and academic communities worldwide must stand together in solidarity with at-risk scholars. In response to the increasing challenges faced by scholars in conflict zones, several organizations have dedicated their efforts to providing support and safe havens. Here we summarize a list of the most well-known organizations in this regard:

Scholars at Risk (SAR) (https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/): An international network that provides sanctuary and advocates for academic freedom, SAR assists scholars facing grave threats by arranging temporary research and teaching positions within its network of institutions.

Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) (https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/): This program offers fellowships to academics under threat, facilitating temporary academic positions at partnering institutions worldwide, allowing scholars to continue their work in safety.

Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) (https://www.cara.ngo/): Since 1933, CARA has been providing urgent support to academics in danger, offering financial aid, legal advice, and placement assistance.

The Institute of International Education’s Artist Protection Fund (APF) (https://www.iie.org/programs/artist-protection-fund/): Though primarily focused on artists, this fund also supports scholars in the arts, helping them to escape from harm and continue their work in safe environments.

Baden-Württemberg Fund for Persecuted Scholars (https://www.bwstiftung.de/de/programm/baden-wuerttemberg-fonds-fuer-verfolgte-wissenschaftler): Provides financial support to highly qualified scientists who are at risk or have already fled, offering placements in German universities and research institutions.

The New University in Exile Consortium (https://newuniversityinexileconsortium.org/): An initiative of The New School in New York City, this consortium is a growing group of universities and colleges committed to hosting and supporting at-risk scholars.

Institute of International Education (IIE) (https://www.iie.org/): IIE supports more than 29,000 people in 180 countries each year through the programs they administer, helping to educate the next generation of leaders and serving as a lifeline to the world’s most imperiled students, scholars, and artists.