Commentary: Hypocritical definitions of ‘academic freedom’ empower extremists

Steven Lubet November 27, 2023 1 min read

Steven Lubet
The Hill

Excerpt: The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) quite rightly calls itself the “most prominent guardian of academic freedom” for faculty and students in the U.S. In a recent statement on the Israel-Hamas war, however, titled “Polarizing Times Demand Robust Academic Freedom” the AAUP displayed a distressing anti-Israel bias that sadly undermines its commitment to even-handed protection of free expression.


Click here for link to full article


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in National Free Speech News & Commentary

The Long Shadow of Columbia’s Deal With Trump
The Long Shadow of Columbia’s Deal With Trump

Francie Diep, Eric Kelderman, and Shea Vance July 24, 2026 1 min read

One year after Columbia signed its resolution agreement, the university remains something of an example, for others in the sector and for the Trump administration. But what many have called Columbia’s capitulation hasn’t been a full win for either side.

Read More
The New Chilling Effect: Too many institutions are teaching young people to stay quiet.
The New Chilling Effect: Too many institutions are teaching young people to stay quiet.

By Jacob Blane, Annabelle Garland, and Sam Gross July 23, 2026 1 min read

If you’re looking for a reason to despair over the state of American education, there are many places you could start. Something that deserves more attention is damage to free expression—not in the classroom but in the public sphere of high school: the realms of student newspapers, student government, and other aspects of everyday life. School is meant to prepare students for the real world, but too many institutions are training kids to be silent.

Read More
Extorted Compliance: A Threat to Institutional Autonomy, Academic Freedom, and Shared Governance
Extorted Compliance: A Threat to Institutional Autonomy, Academic Freedom, and Shared Governance

American Association of University Professors  July 23, 2026 1 min read

Higher education in the United States and the faculty members central to its mission are under unprecedented, destructive, and sustained attack, part of a larger assault on democratic governance, civil society, and knowledge itself. 

Read More