Academic Freedom
Academic freedom in the Arab world has been increasingly undermined and strained. Individually and collectively, the freedom to access, create and share knowledge to serve communities through research, documentation, discussion and creativity faces the challenges of censorship and heavy state interference.
Academic freedom doesn’t sit alone in societies but is part of the broader freedoms of expression exercised by artists, journalists, writers, and the public at large. Al-Fanar Media believes in the importance of researchers’ and academics’ personal autonomy and independence, as well as the significance of free speech and critical debate. We report on infringements of academic freedom in the Middle East and North Africa, the interference in the management of higher education institutions, the arrests of researchers, university staff and students. We also cover the efforts that governments and institutions are doing to preserve the right to academic freedom.
We hope through our articles to keep the discussion around academic freedom in the MENA region alive, to contribute to the reduction of censorship in higher education institutions and research.
Below are a series of articles and stories around the subject of academic freedom in the Arab world.
-
News & Reports
Egypt’s Universities Step Up Security to Avoid Unrest
In preparation for the academic year, Egyptian public universities are tightening physical security at their campuses.
Read More » -
Opinion
What is the Outlook for the Academic Year in Egypt?
The new academic year brings more anxiety for Egyptian professors and students facing an uncertain future.
Read More » -
News & Reports
What Education Is Like Under the Islamic State
As the Islamic State tightens its grip on Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, it is revealing its approach to teaching…
Read More » -
News & Reports
The Man in Cairo University’s Hot Seat
The president of one of the largest universities in the world came into power during one of the institution’s most…
Read More » -
Opinion
Don’t Let Egyptian University Appointments Become a Political Game
Egyptian President's plans to appoint university heads is a total abuse of the constitution, the author argues.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Egyptian President to Appoint Key University Administrators
The new Egyptian leader is going to make even more academic appointments than former president Hosni Mubarak did.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Do Human Evolution and Islam Conflict in the Classroom?
A Moroccan professor who has taught evolution says she is a rarity in the country, an example of a broader…
Read More » -
News & Reports
In Tunisia, a Once-Banned Student Union Rises Again
The rebirth of an outlawed student union with Islamist leanings is a positive sign of rising democracy to some, a…
Read More » -
News & Reports
Education under Attack: Eight Arab Countries Affected
A new report documents the effects of armed conflict on schools, universities and those who work and study at them.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Egyptian Court Puts Police Back on Campus
More signs are emerging of diminishing academic freedom: One of the crackdown's most prominent targets speaks out.
Read More »