[csaa-forum] query: academic freedom?

[Stephen Muecke]

I don't know about historical precedents, Felicity, but I wish some NSW  
academics in the know would make some strongly-worded complaints about  
the NSW politicians and their stuff-ups on all counts, including  
transport.
Stephen Muecke



On 21/05/2008, at 2:45 PM, Felicity Colman wrote:

> Hello list,
>
>  What is the opinion/position of other academics on the recent events  
> at the University of Melbourne, and the related public debate on  
> academic freedom? (articles pasted below)
>
>  What is the role of the academic in Australian society today?
>
>  Are there historical precedents in Australia of this sort that might  
> provide some insight?
>
>  thank you.
>
>  Letters (in the opinions section) in Age newspaper May 21, 2008 begin  
> with this:
>
>  'WHEN academic freedom — a fundamental principle of democracy — is  
> compromised by a Labor government, it is time for all thinking  
> Australians to be afraid ("Melb Uni demotes transport dissident", The  
> Age, 20/5). I am no longer surprised by the arrogance and haughtiness  
> of this Brumby Government, but I am stunned and outraged at the steps  
> taken by a craven Melbourne University administration in demoting  
> outspoken public transport advocate Paul Mees [...].'
> http://www.theage.com.au/news/letters/this-craven-move-should- 
> frighten-us/2008/05/20/1211182799831.html
>
>  as a response to this item:
>
>  'MELBOURNE University has demoted one of its most outspoken academics  
> after a complaint against him by the State Government. [ ...]
> http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/melbourne-uni-demotes- 
> transport-dissident/2008/05/19/1211182704265.html
>
>
>  and further discussed here:
>
> http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/uni-accused-of-hatchet-job-on- 
> lecturer/2008/05/20/1211182801445.html
>
>
> http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/uni-damaged-over-lecturers- 
> demotion/2008/05/20/1211182764879.html
>
>
>  Dr Felicity Colman
>  Lecturer, Screen Studies
>  Honours Coordinator, Cinema Program
>  School of Culture & Communication
> http://www.culture-communication.unimelb.edu.au
>  The University of Melbourne  Victoria  3010 Australia Tel:  
> 61-3-83445565\tFax: 61-3-8344 5563
>  fcolman at unimelb.edu.au
>
>
>
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