Self-Censorship in Arab Higher Education
A number of organizations report on the freedom-of-speech restrictions that governments impose on academics, journalists, and public intellectuals in the Arab region. But the constraints that academics impose on themselves because of fear of reprisals are not as well understood or publicized. Self-censorship affects the professional performance of faculty members, which in turn is reflected in the quality of university education in general.
We have cooperated with the Scholars at Risk Network, an independent not-for-profit organization based at New York University, on a survey that attempts to measure self-censorship in academia in the Arab region. You can check out the survey’s results in our in-depth report, and read additional commentaries by academics on their own experiences and thoughts.
We hope this work will help start a long-needed discussion on this issue and possible ways of avoiding it and strengthening academic freedom in the region.
-
Opinion
How Academic Freedom Can Be Enriched in Arab Universities
Academic freedom has been both neglected and misused in the Arab world, says a Tunisian academic. He offers ideas for…
Read More » -
Opinion
Self-Censorship in the University: A Breach of Academic Freedom
In a collective act of self-censorship, many academics today willingly cede the university’s unconditional freedom to investigate all ideas.
Read More » -
Opinion
Why Professors in Algeria Have Given Up on Free Academic Inquiry
Professors in Algeria have learned that it's best to endorse the conventional wisdom and not ask new questions, a scholar…
Read More » -
Opinion
When Self-Censorship Means Self-Protection
An Egyptian professor explains the complex motives behind her decision to limit her own freedom of expression.
Read More » -
Opinion
Academic Self-Censorship Is a ‘Brain Drag’ on Arab Universities and Societies
Academic self-censorship not only hinders individuals’ intellectual output and creativity but comes at a cost to whole societies.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Self-Censorship in Arab Higher Education: an Untold Problem
Arab professors routinely practice self-censorship, which limits academic discourse, a survey by Al-Fanar Media and Scholars at Risk found.
Read More »