Joshua Katz, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former professor at Princeton University, placed the spotlight on the importance of academic freedom in a thought-provoking conversation with our education researcher, Enikő Szakos.
The discussion addressed ideological pressures in universities, the role of open debate, and how to safeguard the fundamental values of higher education in an increasingly polarized world.
Katz emphasized that freedom of expression and the clash of differing ideas are essential to maintaining genuine academic discourse. He pointed out that universities must provide a safe space for the free exchange of thoughts, even when those ideas are controversial or uncomfortable. In his view, polarization is not just an issue in the United States, but a growing challenge faced by higher education institutions worldwide.
The conversation also explored ways to encourage students and faculty to engage in constructive dialogue and how universities can become places of shared understanding and intellectual courage. Katz added that defending traditional academic values is not only the responsibility of institutions but a shared societal interest.
The event highlighted that the issue of academic freedom is becoming increasingly relevant on a global scale, requiring the active involvement of all stakeholders — students, educators, researchers, and university leaders alike.
