CEU Expresses Academic Solidarity With Turkish Academics

In keeping with its commitment to the values of open society and democracy, Central European University (CEU) would like to express its support for the higher education sector in Turkey, in view of the unjustified retaliatory measures taken by the authorities in the wake of the military coup.

CEU endorses fully the statement of the European University Association (EUA) of July 19, 2016, which condemns the forced resignation of 1,577 deans from public and foundations universities.

The EUA statement rightly mentions that “while there has been global and unanimous support for the democratically elected government of Turkey in reaction to the military coup, the measures introduced to-day go in the wrong direction. More than ever Turkey needs freedom of speech, public and open debate, as advocated by its strong university sector, committed to internationally recognised university values, the principles of academic freedom, free expression and freedom of association.”

CEU partners with a number of Turkish universities and research organizations and has the highest respect for academics throughout the country. We declare our support for them and for the principle of academic freedom and autonomy.

John Shattuck, President and Rector

Michael Ignatieff, President and Rector Elect