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University leaders from around the world recently gathered in Washington, DC, to discuss the need to protect institutional autonomy and academic freedom in the face of rising political and social pressures. 

The conference, titled Universities, Governments, and Democracy: International Challenges and Lessons Learned, was attended by Principal Patrick Deane, who helped to coordinate it in his capacity as President of the Governing Council of the Magna Charta Observatory (MCO). Johns Hopkins University and PEN America were co-organizers. 

Conference sessions explored many of the shared challenges universities face, like increasing restrictions on free expression that can significantly hamper open dialogue on campuses. They also focused on the need for universities to reinforce their commitment to fostering open discourse and safeguarding academic freedom. 

“Universities will always have a complex relationship with the political, social, and cultural contexts within which they operate,” says Principal Deane. “Our focus at this meeting was on the positive service and contribution which institutions like Queen’s aspire to make to the cause of democracy and of a just society.” 

Participants emphasized that preserving academic freedom is essential not only for education but also for democracy and society at large. They highlighted the importance of protecting diverse viewpoints, critical thinking, and open debate, and of ensuring plurality always prevails. 

This fall, Principal Deane delivered a message to the Queen’s community sharing that Queen’s has adopted a standard practice of not issuing statements that take an institutional position on global or domestic affairs. He emphasized the university is committed to free and open inquiry, consistent with the and the , to which Queen’s is a signatory. 

“Our aspirations can only be realized if institutions retain their autonomy, and their separateness from causes and partisan political arguments,” says Principal Deane, when reflecting on the conference. “Safeguarding free inquiry and academic freedom is crucial for nurturing informed, engaged citizens capable of addressing complex societal issues. As partisanship and political advocacy continue to increase, our commitment to uphold the principles of free expression in higher education becomes even more critical.” 

The Magna Charta Observatory (MCO) is a global organization that speaks for all universities, and particularly its signatories, on matters of fundamental values, especially when there are attempts to erode or restrict them. Over 970 universities from 94 countries have signed the MCU; Queen’s became a signatory in 2019. 

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