Summarised by Centrist
The Free Speech Union says New Zealand’s new Academic Freedom Bill is a long-overdue measure to address groupthink and self-censorship at universities.
The bill passed its first reading in Parliament this week and aims to strengthen institutional protections for academic freedom.
Free Speech Union Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling said the legislation requires universities to adopt free speech policies, report annually on academic freedom, and remain neutral on political issues not directly related to their educational mandate.
“Institutional neutrality is a vital feature,” Ayling said, “that constrains the institution’s voice in favour of ensuring that it is actually academics… who get to make up their own minds on contested issues and speak out.”
Ayling said the union has contributed heavily to the legislation and will continue its involvement through formal submissions and public events. Its Inter-University Council on Academic Freedom is also expected to propose further protections for academic staff.
The Union is hosting panel discussions in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington this week to explore how neutrality obligations could apply not only to universities but to other institutions.
In a related announcement, the Free Speech Union has submitted to Phase 2 of the COVID Royal Commission, arguing that New Zealand’s pandemic response significantly chilled professional speech, particularly in health, education, and academia.
“We submitted to ensure the Royal Commission recognises the significant chilling effect that aspects of the Government response had on open debate, professional dissent, and academic freedom,” said FSU stakeholder manager Stephanie Martin.
She said many members, including doctors, teachers, and academics, faced consequences for expressing views that diverged from government narratives on COVID, mandates, and vaccines.
“Suppressing legitimate questions and professional judgments ultimately undermines public trust and weakens democratic institutions,” she said.
Read more over at Scoop and The Daily Telegraph NZ
