- In Defense of Academic Freedom
On April 4th, 2005, 24 Columbia University professors spoke out in
defense of academic freedom. From such diverse disciplines as
English, Philosophy, Anthropology, Film, Law, Middle Eastern and
Asian Languages and Cultures, and others, the professors spoke for
over three hours to an audience of over five hundred in Columbia's
venerable Low Library.
While the style and content of their discussions displayed considerable
variation, the one resounding theme of the evening was that faculty,
students, and most of all the administration must make a more vigorous
defense of academic freedom in the future. And many made clear their
strong support of Joseph Massad, criticizing recent attacks on him by
politically-motivated elements both within and without the university
community.
Here, you can read some of their statements. Check back for more.
