Academic Freedom Conference – this week!.

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union’s Academic Freedom Conference takes place on Thursday and Friday this week. One of the highlights of the two days will be a keynote address by University Advisory Group chair Sir Peter Gluckman.

Gluckman is expected to present recommendations to the government soon that could shape the future of Aotearoa’s higher education landscape.

Tumu Whakarae – Tiriti | National President – Tiriti Dr Julie Douglas, says she hopes that the UAG will advocate for strengthened protections for academic freedom. “Sir Peter’s session will be an interesting window into his thinking and an opportunity for participants to ask questions and get a sense of where the UAG is heading on this vital issue.”

Prior to the Gluckman address, Assoc. Prof Garrick Cooper from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | The University of Canterbury and Dr Miriama Postlethwaite from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi will explore the unique challenges faced by Māori scholars and scholars who are in ethnic, cultural, or gender minorities to use academic freedom and how ALL scholars can help reduce these challenges. The panel will emphasise the importance of preserving and promoting knowledge systems (eg mātauranga Māori), and practical ways to support underrepresented academics in their work.

The full conference programme promises a wide range of sessions aimed at providing an essential space to examine the state of academic freedom in Aotearoa and exploring ways for staff and students to resist any encroachments upon it.

Registrations remain open for those wishing to attend online by clicking here and using the password “Freedom24”.

Media are welcome to attend and can send any enquiries to Enzo Giordani at enzo.giordani@teu.ac.nz.