More than 300 prominent academics from leading institutions — including SOAS (London), the University of Cambridge, and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) — have appealed to the SAARC Secretary-General over the dismissal of a faculty member at the South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi.
Background
The faculty member was allegedly terminated for supporting student protests in 2022, raising concerns over academic freedom, due process, and institutional governance. The academics’ joint appeal urges SAARC, which oversees SAU, to review the action and safeguard university autonomy and faculty rights.
Why It Matters
- The issue has generated debate on academic governance and freedom in South Asian universities.
- It highlights concerns over how faculty members are treated when they express independent or critical views.
- Freedom of expression for faculty is essential to ensure open dialogue and intellectual growth in universities.
- Protecting academic freedom helps maintain the credibility and integrity of educational institutions.
- Such freedom also upholds the international reputation of universities as spaces of independent thought and research.
For Assam and North-East Context
- The case can be used as a case study in teacher and administrator training workshops.
- It highlights the need for transparent governance within educational institutions.
- Emphasizes the importance of a fair and effective grievance redressal system for faculty and students.
- Demonstrates why academic autonomy must be respected to maintain institutional integrity.
- Encourages educators and administrators to promote a culture of accountability and openness in decision-making.
Conclusion
The appeal highlights that academic integrity depends not only on teaching quality but also on the freedom to question and engage critically — a principle essential for vibrant, democratic universities. Protecting academic freedom is not merely an institutional concern but a cornerstone of trust, innovation, and intellectual growth across South Asia’s education system.
FAQs
1. What triggered the appeal by academics?
Ans: Over 300 academics signed a petition after a faculty member at South Asian University (SAU) was dismissed for allegedly supporting student protests in 2022, raising concerns about academic freedom and due process.
2. Who received the appeal?
Ans: The appeal was addressed to the SAARC Secretary-General, as SAU operates under the SAARC framework.
3. What are the main concerns raised in the appeal?
Ans: The signatories questioned the transparency of the dismissal, lack of fair inquiry, and erosion of institutional autonomy within SAU.
4. Why is this issue significant for universities in India and South Asia?
Ans: It underscores the need for protecting freedom of expression and ensuring fair governance, vital for maintaining the academic and ethical credibility of higher education institutions.
5. How can this serve as a learning point for educators and administrators?
Ans: It offers a case study in governance and accountability, emphasizing that academic spaces must uphold dialogue, fairness, and respect for dissent — principles that strengthen democratic education.
My self Anita Sahani. I have completed my B.Com from Purbanchal College Silapathar. I am working in Dev Library as a Content Manager. A website that provides all SCERT, NCERT 3 to 12, and BA, B.com, B.Sc, and Computer Science with Post Graduate Notes & Suggestions, Novel, eBooks, Health, Finance, Biography, Quotes, Study Materials, and more.
