The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Council has accepted the recommendations of the Working Group on Institutional Neutrality to adopt a statement on institutional neutrality, and to develop ethical investment and ethical procurement policies. …
“Our University upholds free speech and academic freedom as essential values. By not taking a University wide position on political issues not related to our core roles and functions, we ensure that our community can freely explore, discuss and engage with critical issues,” Mr Robertson explains.
“If the University were to take a stance on political issues not connected to our roles and functions, this would place those members of the community who hold a different view in a difficult position and potentially have a chilling effect on them and their work.
“As one senior academic said during discussions – ‘the University is neutral, so that we do not have to be’.”
Exactly. Institutional neutrality empowers academics.
Our University champions free speech and academic freedom. Its institutional neutrality upholds the principle that the University best serves society by allowing its members the maximal freedom to investigate, debate, and speak on important matters.
Excellent.
David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders.
5 comments:
>" ... the University best serves society by allowing its members the maximal freedom to investigate, debate, and speak on important matters."
Somebody had better make sure selection committees abide by this dictum. My bet is that ideological vetting of candidates will continue as long as an 'E'EO Komisar remains a fixture on such committees.
Expect no change in that arrangement any time soon.
One also could investigate whether universities restrict academic freedom by specifying criteria in awarding research grants.
Was there nowhere in the chubby fella’s statement about treaty principles and obligations - tikanga and whatnot?
Some would think that statement is fake.
I am less hopeful than David. A closer reading of Otago’s statement shows a long list of carve-outs that expands the range of matters relating to the mission and purpose of the university. Its license to issue official statements on many issues that I would see as not settled and open to free debate, including by academics, is not changed by this claimed commitment. It is no more than lip service to institutional neutrality, and essentially allows free speech only for those who endorse prevailing narratives. It’s disingenuous.
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