unifying internal policy

Intellectual freedom

Academic freedom means that academics within their field freely choose which questions to ask and how to investigate them, fitting within the university's mission and value framework. They have the freedom and even the duty to communicate about their results, even if they go against established ideas.

Freedom of speech is highly valued with only a few legal restrictions. This also applies within the university environment, even if we find some opinions objectionable or offensive. Based on active pluralism, at UAntwerpen we expect to actively listen to the underlying arguments of others' opinions. This does not mean that a compromise must always be sought. On the contrary, opinions, visions, ideas are allowed to be conflicting. However, opinions that blatantly contradict scientific facts and knowledge have no place at the university and should not be given a platform. When academics communicate about their field, their statements have a different status and weight, as they then speak with the authority of their scientific expertise, recognised by the reputation of a university appointment. It is part of the scientific integrity of academics to indicate in their communications whether or not they are doing so as subject matter experts. Even when the university takes a public position, after internal debate, staff and students have the freedom to express critical opinions about it.

The university itself must be circumspect in taking positions, guided by the scientific insights of its researchers, its value framework and the diversity of opinions within the university community. We are convinced that in our increasingly complex world, education and science offer a powerful answer against geopolitical compartmentalisation and polarisation. Rather judge than condemn, let alone prejudge.