Academic Freedom Now: Challenges for Individuals & Institutions

Description: Academic freedom—the principle that scholars should have the liberty to teach, research, and express ideas without fear of institutional or political reprisal—is foundational to the mission of higher education. In Canada, this concept has evolved through a complex history shaped by legal frameworks, institutional governance, and public discourse.

This panel explores the current state of academic freedom in Canadian universities. We will address emerging threats, including political interference, ideological polarization, funding pressures, as well as legislative reforms that challenge institutional autonomy and the practice of scholarly research and teaching. Recent controversies highlight the fragility of academic freedom in times of social and geopolitical tension. Bringing together scholars from diverse disciplines, the panel asks: What does academic freedom mean today? Who is protected by it—and what does it ask of the institutions where they teach and write?

Logistics: 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m; 280N York Lanes (light lunch is provided)

Audience: Open to all York community members, but registration is required. Register here.

Panelists: Thabit Abdullah (Professor, History, LA&PS); Othon Alexandrakis (Chair & Associate Professor, Anthropology, LA&PS), Paul Axelrod (Dean & Professor Emeritus, Education), Sonia Lawrence (Associate Professor, Osgoode),

Moderator: Alice MacLachlan (Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies; Professor, Philosophy, LA&PS)

Upcoming Related Events: 

• February 24, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Academic Freedom (Faculty Affairs; details forthcoming)
• March 5, 1 to 3 p.m., Scholarship Harassment meet-up (Faculty Affairs; details forthcoming)