October Update from the AFA
Annual Conference in Princeton
We had another successful conference last month in Princeton, gathering around 20 participants for interesting discussions and presentations on a range of topics. For example, David Rabban presented on the limits of academic freedom, while Keith Whittington spoke about viewpoint diversity. Don Downs facilitated a panel about internal and external challenges to academic freedom. We’re grateful to everyone who participated and look forward to convening again next year.
Journal Article on the AFA
The AFA’s Anna Krylov and Howard Muncy published a new article in the Journal of Controversial Ideas titled “Yes, We Can! Academic Freedom Alliance: A Model of Organizational Response to Academic Censorship.” They describe how academic communities can unite to defend academic freedom, presenting the AFA’s story as an example of an organizational response to censorship and the suppression of scholarship.
The article highlights not only our work on individual cases, but also how our guidance statements – such as on mandatory diversity statements in faculty hiring – have influenced public debate and contributed to recent policy changes. Overall, the paper presents the AFA as evidence that legal preparedness and principled advocacy can successfully counteract censorship and defend the truth-seeking mission of universities.
This most recent edition of the Journal of Controversial Ideas also includes a number of other articles on academic freedom, including some from other AFA members such as Evan Morris, Lee Jussim, Luana Maroja, and Jerry Coyne. See the full list of articles here.
Ongoing Fundraising Effort
As a reminder, we are currently seeking donations to assist in our ongoing case work. In particular, Dr. Michael Joyner’s case against the Mayo Clinic is headed to trial in February. The AFA has covered 100% of Dr. Joyner’s legal expenses throughout this entire ordeal, but as the case heads to trial those costs are about to increase significantly. This is an important moment to ensure professors and researchers have the ability to speak freely about their findings. But we are going to need your help. Please consider donating to our cause and take this opportunity to claim your part of our effort to support Dr. Joyner’s brave stand as his case heads to trial. You can make a contribution at this link.
Peregrine Conference Co-Sponsorship
The AFA also co-sponsored a conference hosted by the Peregrine Collective, which convened an intimate gathering of 25 deans, professors, and scholars who discussed the question of what the purpose of the university should be and explore the university’s evolving role in society and the tradeoffs among its competing aims. Academic Committee chair Lucas Morel spoke on our behalf in a keynote drawing lessons from the life and writings of Frederick Douglass.
Membership Drive
Our total membership stands at 942, and we are doubling down on our goal of surpassing 1000 members this year. To that end, we appreciate any and all recommendations from our current members that may help us finish the year strong. Please send any nominations to AFA Director of Operations Howard Muncy at hmuncy@academicfreedom.org.