Support for Funding Universities Based on Free Speech
A recent poll conducted by Curia Market Research on behalf of the NZ Free Speech Union reveals that a majority of New Zealanders would support government funding of universities based on their commitment to upholding academic freedom. The poll, which asked respondents if they believed government funding should be partially contingent on a university’s ability to uphold academic freedom, found that 53 percent supported the idea, while 19 percent opposed it.
This result aligns with a similar poll conducted last year, which showed that 75 percent of New Zealanders consider free speech to be a defining cultural value and believe it is under threat. Jonathan Ayling, the Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union, highlights the significance of these findings, stating that the government’s policy to withdraw funding from universities that fail to defend academic freedom is not only necessary for restoring free speech in New Zealand but also enjoys majority support.
The policy to link funding with a commitment to free speech was a concession made by the coalition government to the ACT Party, who advocated for it during the election. It will be implemented through an amendment to the Education and Training Act, requiring tertiary education providers receiving taxpayer funding to adopt a free speech policy.
The need to protect academic freedom in New Zealand is underscored by recent events, such as the controversy surrounding a planned freedom of speech debate at Victoria University. The university was compelled to postpone the event following criticism over the perceived lack of diversity and the inclusion of panelists with right-leaning perspectives, including Mr. Ayling himself.
In response to these concerns, the university’s vice-chancellor, Nic Smith, expanded the panel’s lineup to include a Māori political commentator, a rainbow community and inclusivity advocate, and additional academic speakers. However, Mr. Ayling argues that there are individuals within the university who are ideologically opposed to the fundamental freedoms that enable the university’s functioning and growth. He emphasizes that without the preservation of free speech and academic freedom within universities, the purpose of these institutions becomes questionable, as they risk becoming centers of indoctrination rather than education.
To address the erosion of academic freedom, the Free Speech Union has launched a profession-specific membership for academics. This initiative aims to restore academic freedom in New Zealand universities and safeguard free speech for the thousands of young New Zealanders pursuing tertiary education to learn how to think critically, rather than being told what to think.
In conclusion, the poll results indicate strong public support for funding universities based on their commitment to upholding academic freedom. This aligns with the belief held by the majority of New Zealanders that free speech is a crucial cultural value. The government’s policy to tie funding to free speech is seen as necessary by many to protect academic freedom. The recent controversy surrounding a planned freedom of speech debate at Victoria University highlights the challenges faced in preserving free speech within educational institutions. The Free Speech Union’s efforts, including the launch of a profession-specific membership for academics, aim to restore academic freedom and ensure that young New Zealanders have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills through higher education.
