Throughout its history, the IUC has strongly defended academic freedom across borders and all over the world. Therefore, the IUC Executive Committee is deeply concerned about recent efforts to restrict academic freedom and freedom of expression. In addition to the series of attacks on academic freedom by a growing number of authoritarian governments in different corners of the world, the US government, traditionally strong in defending free speech and academic freedom, now violates the autonomy of universities to a shocking level. Declaring universities, staff and students enemies of the state because of policies, opinions or sexual identities as well as cutting public finance and closing down research institutes, affect universities and institutions for higher education all around the world.

The IUC Executive Committee expresses its solidarity with all who are affected by these unacceptable restrictions. Through our courses, conferences and other activities, the IUC will continue and strengthen its efforts to promote and defend academic freedom, freedom of expression and institutional autonomy.