In recent years, the rise of right-wing populism around the world has had a clear impact on universities, parallel to the decline in human rights and democracy. This has brought about an environment where academic freedoms and freedom of expression are under threat. The rise of right-wing populism threatens academic freedoms and freedom of expression in universities. In particular, the targeting of critical thinking and protests in universities by governments and politicians undermines the independence of the academic environment.
In this context, the presidential decree signed by US President Donald Trump to deport foreign students participating in demonstrations in support of Palestine constitutes a concrete example that threatens freedom of expression in universities. The Trump administration has announced plans to revoke visas for students who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on charges of “anti-Semitism.” This decision could lead to restrictions on democratic debate and protests at universities in the United States.
With the rise of right-wing populism, racism and authoritarian tendencies are also gaining strength. This weakens diversity and inclusiveness policies at universities and reduces sensitivity to discrimination. In addition, authoritarian governments’ efforts to monitor and suppress universities threaten academic freedom.
In this respect, the government’s efforts to restrict academic freedom during Boris Johnson’s term as prime minister in the United Kingdom are noteworthy. The Johnson administration has taken harsh measures against student protests at universities, and pressure on academics has increased, especially with the rise of anti-Brexit voices. In addition, there have been incidents such as the blocking of funding for some academic research on the grounds that it is incompatible with state policies. Such interventions lead to the weakening of academic independence.
In Poland, academic freedoms have been seriously threatened by the government’s right-wing populist orientation. The country’s Minister of Education has imposed certain political views and adherence to certain ideologies on academic staff, and has encouraged ideological homogeneity by putting pressure on universities. This restricts academics’ right to free thought and research.
In Hungary, serious interventions have been made in the education system since Viktor Orbán came to power. In 2017, Central European University (CEU), one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, was forced to leave Hungary as a result of government pressure. This is one of the most striking examples of the pressures applied by authoritarian regimes to control universities.
In Turkey, academic freedoms and independence at universities have been seriously threatened, especially after 2016. Following the coup attempt in 2016, investigations and arrests of academics accused by the government of “terrorist propaganda” increased, and around 7,000 academics were dismissed from public service by decree laws. One of the most striking examples is the dismissal of 1,128 academics who signed the “We Will Not Be Complicit in This Crime” declaration, published in 2016 and calling for peace, and the arrest of some academics. The government has attempted to restrict academic freedom by suppressing critical thought in universities. In addition, important decisions such as academic appointments and university presidencies have been given to people who are closer to the government’s political line. These interventions have weakened universities’ ability to conduct independent research and provide students with a free education. Universities in Turkey operate under much greater government control and less freedom in public debate.
We can say that academic thought and freedom of research are at risk on a global scale today. The public, civil society organizations and academic institutions should cooperate to take measures in this regard.
