How political should a University be in recent times? Do you believe that the University is (or can be) a neutral space without politics or do you believe that the University, as an institution of society, maybe even has to be political?
I think this question becomes even more crucial, when we think about different sources of funding for scientific research or specific interest groups, lobbying etc. Or in terms of certain Majors like Gender/Queer Studies, Cutlural Studies, Philosophy but also in sciences like physics or even mathematics.
We also can find this question about the University, about politics and the roles the various faculties can (und shall) play in the work of e.g. Immanuel Kant (Conflict of the Faculties). So maybe this seems to be an 'old' question, but it is still a current issue, too, since it affects our work (and self-concept) as scientists in my opinion.
This is a great question, and I would say that in certain fields we have a responsibility to highlight the politically-driven root causes of certain social phenomena, so in that respect, I'd say quite political. I think the Chronic of Higher Ed just had a piece about how university presidents should all make statements about protecting immigrant rights, so that might be worth checking out!
Dear Sir Thank you for your question. actually Universities need to be academic but also need political will to deliver quality of every thing done within the university. political collaboration is essential but not all. what universities need is political collaboration based on academic activities not just entering politics as usual. Thanks
It is only on the context of academic, political collaboration and cooperation that politics is needed in the university. Any politics in the recruitment and promotion of academic staff will have adverse effects on the advancement of a university
This is a great question, and I would say that in certain fields we have a responsibility to highlight the politically-driven root causes of certain social phenomena, so in that respect, I'd say quite political. I think the Chronic of Higher Ed just had a piece about how university presidents should all make statements about protecting immigrant rights, so that might be worth checking out!
Excellent inputs. In Lebanon Universities deal with politics differently, maybe due to the uncontrollable impetus between representative political parties among students. So some Universities allow freedom of political representation and some do not to avoid violent conflicts. University governance is pro-political liberty but within certain limitations which must be well defined and communicated to either students or faculty members.
A university has to foster critical thinking, that includes politics. However at the same time a university needs to foster tolerance, diversity. I personally think that a university should not be the follower / supporter of a particular political party or government.
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