The FXI’s Jane Duncan on Academic Freedom
THE RISE OF THE DISCIPLINARY UNIVERSITY
Jane Duncan
Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI)
Harold Wolpe Lecture
University of KwaZulu-Natal
17 May 2007
Introduction: a free speech code for Universities?
Recently, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has been a flashpoint for
controversies aroundкомпютри academic freedom, with disciplinary action having
been taken against two academics for a number of alleged misconducts,
including speaking to the media. A case has also arisen at Fort Hare
University, involving a law professor who is being disciplined for
criticizing the University administration in his lectures, at
conferences, in private conversations and in the media. These academics
are accused of bringing their respective institutions into disrepute,
including by lying to the media, and defaming University managers. A
member of the support staff of the Tshwane University of Technology is
being charged with the apartheid era offence of immorality, for
distributing sexually explicit photographs to some of his friends. A
disciplinary case is also being heard at Wits University, where students
are being charged for bringing the institution into disrepute for
criticizing the lack of freedom of expression on campus, in the
media.