UNIVERSITY PLACES REPUTATION AT RISK
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In the University’s own collective agreement, the University committed itself to;
“upholding the scholarly values of intellectual freedom, honesty, openness and rigour,
consistent with the University’s vision”
It goes on to define intellectual freedom as;
“…the freedom of academic staff … to engage in critical inquiry, intellectual discourse and public controversy without fear or favour, but does not include the right to harass, intimidate or vilify”
“The commitments of the University as stated in their collective agreement do not state that these values are contingent on not upsetting Government funding bodies. Yet, the basis of the University’s investigation into Dr Mees’ case was to determine if he had damaged the reputation of the University.” the Victorian Secretary of the NTEU, Mr Matthew McGowan said today.
“If the University’s view is that Dr Mees is vilifying the department, then they cannot assess his conduct without examining the validity of his claim or the basis of his belief in the allegations, which is something the investigation specifically ruled out.”
Mr McGowan went on to say, “This issue goes to the heart of what intellectual freedom means in our society. Universities must stand up for the right of staff in engage in robust debate against the pressures placed on it by funding bodies. The fact that it is a government department applying the pressure makes this an even more insidious example of their failure to meet the test they themselves have applied through their collective agreement.”
Ends.
For further information contact:
Mr Matthew McGowan, NTEU Victoria Division Secretary.