Defending Academic Freedom Through Scholars at Risk

Global Congress meets to discuss the ongoing threat to academia.

-By Charles Givens

July 22, 2024

The Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network is a global coalition of colleges, universities and organizations that defend academic freedom and protect scholars around the world who face threats due to their work, beliefs or identity. They provide sanctuary and advocate for scholars, working to ensure a safe space for free inquiry and expression.

In June 2024, the SAR Global Congress was held in Vilnius, Lithuania. Attendees spent the week discussing threats to academic freedom, the safety of scholars worldwide and how SAR members can learn from the successes and mistakes of the past. Duke University is a member of this network and was an active participant during the week’s events.

The city of Vilnius provided a fittingly powerful setting, given its proximity to neighboring countries still known for stifling dissenting voices. The European Humanities University (EHU), which hosted the congress, is an example of the need for scholarly freedom. EHU is considered a “university in exile.” Founded in Minsk, Belarus in 1992, it moved to Vilnius, Lithuania in 2004 due to government pressure. EHU offers degrees in the humanities and social sciences. The faculty, students and administration aim to return to Belarus when academic freedom can be guaranteed. For now, the University has 630 enrolled students (as of 2023) and is in a former Augustinian monastery in Vilnius’ “Old Town.”

The Congress began in smaller breakout sessions at EHU, and Duke University was represented alongside other prominent U.S.-based universities like Harvard, Carnegie Mellon and Northwestern.

“I am very thankful to have attended the SAR Global Congress, which also happened to be the first SAR Network convening that I have joined,” said Samantha Nissen, Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives on the Buffett Institute’s Research & Programs team at Northwestern University. “The SAR Global Congress provided an important space to build and sustain community with those who engage in this work. In this way, meeting the network staff and fellow program directors from universities in the United States and around the world was extremely valuable.”

Panel discussions in the Vilnius Town Hall rounded out the week. Participants heard impassioned speeches and discussion in the “Lessons from Afghanistan” talk about the loss of academic freedom in the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. “Lessons from Ukraine” offered a chilling look at the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, and how higher education has been severely impacted and almost forgotten. “Lessons from the United States” panelists discussed the recent protests about Gaza and unrest on higher education campuses in the United States and reminded those in the room about some states’ heavy restrictions on free academic expression.

“Duke is fortunate to coordinate with the National Humanities Center (NHC) and the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund to support a scholar at risk for two years – for one year at the NHC and for the second year on Duke’s campus,” said Eve Duffy, Associate Vice Provost for Global Affairs. “This is a rich experience for the scholars and allows them to build out their networks and look to find a permanent position elsewhere. It is critical for U.S. universities to understand the risks to free scholarly expression as a universal challenge, and to advocate for protecting and assisting any scholar in need.”