Academic freedom, a fundamental pillar of the university mission, is increasingly under threat, even in seemingly robust democratic societies. Political, institutional, and legislative challenges can undermine the integrity of knowledge and erode public trust in universities.
In light of this situation, the journal Éthique publique is launching a call for proposals for its upcoming issue. The issue is co-directed by Lucie Lamarche, a professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal and chair of FQPPU’s Permanent Committee on Academic Freedom, along with Camille Fernandes, an associate professor of public law at the Université de Franche-Comté.
This call aims to explore current challenges to academic freedom and identify strategies to protect it. The FQPPU invites researchers to participate in this collective reflection and contribute to the ongoing debate in alignment with its core values.
Table of contents
An Essential Reflection for the Future of Liberal Democracies
Academic freedom, as defined by UNESCO’s 1997 Recommendation, is vital for universities as spaces for the free exchange of ideas and the fostering of independent thought. It enables academics to conduct research, teach, and express themselves freely while upholding their ethical responsibilities.
However, the Scholars at Risk network reported approximately 2,500 incidents targeting academic freedom across 123 countries in 2022. These explicit or subtle attacks harm individuals and undermine democratic institutions. Recognizing these threats and understanding their implications is essential for preserving university autonomy and strengthening trust in higher education systems.
📺 To learn more, Facultés en alerte (in French only) examines the economic, political, and social pressures that threaten academic freedom and potential solutions for better protection.
Two Thematic Axes to Guide Contributions
Article proposals should align with one of the following themes:
- Mapping threats: What are the current forms of attacks on academic freedom? This includes political pressures, legislative restrictions, and limitations on exercising this freedom.
- Imagining solutions: What strategies can be implemented to protect or restore academic freedom? The journal invites contributors to explore legal, institutional, or collaborative mechanisms to address these challenges.
Submit your proposal now
Researchers interested in these topics are invited to submit an abstract of their article proposal, comprising 150 to 200 words, through this email by March 31, 2025. Selected contributions must be finalized by June 30, 2025, for publication in December 2025.
Download the full call for proposals here.
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