Defending academic freedom in New Zealand when it comes to the Mid East conflict 

Summarised by Centrist

Hundreds of teachers, academics, and alumni in New Zealand’s secondary schools and universities have put their name to a statement calling for the safeguarding of academic freedom. They say this is essential for teaching, learning, and researching contentious topics, particularly Israel and Palestine. 

The group is critical of attacks by organisations on educators who critique Israel’s actions, including unfounded accusations of antisemitism. They call for respectful engagement, and say ad hominem attacks hinder discourse. 

The statement reads in part that those attacks: “appear to be intended to denounce, discredit, defame, defund, intimidate, silence, and potentially even create conflict within the university community, undermining employment or enrolment security for those targeted.”

Read more over at Overland