Media Release – Senate to inquire into Academic Freedom

SENATE TO INQUIRE INTO ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The Senate will inquire into the current level of academic freedom in school and higher education, following a reference to the Senate Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Workplace Relations successfully moved by Senator Mitch Fifield today.

The inquiry follows multiple reports of students encountering academic bias in their school and university courses.

“We must ensure that students at school or university are not discriminated against or fed a particular ideological or political view,” Senator Fifield said today.

“I have been disturbed by the examples of bias I have seen reported. Our schools and universities need to be places where a plurality of views is not only tolerated but encouraged. Unfortunately what students are telling me is that in some cases their learning environments are characterised by intolerance of certain viewpoints.

“Education needs to be about free inquiry and thought. Courses need to be taught in context and in a fair, accurate and balanced way.

“This Senate inquiry will provide students and others involved in school and higher education with an opportunity to come forward and highlight issues of academic bias.

“All Australian students should have the right to study and inquire in an open and free academic environment.”



Please click here to view Inquiry Terms of Reference details