Outgoing Minister Dijkgraaf is concerned about the existence of researchers, students and teachers who feel restricted or censored in their ability to express themselves in the field of higher education and science. After the Teknokent agency’s research, he wrote this to the House of Representatives.
The ministry launched the investigation after a call by the House of Representatives more than two years ago. A large majority in the parliament, led by the VVD, demanded that it be examined whether self-censorship plays a role in science and higher education, and that threats, intimidation and hate reactions should also be taken into account. Van der Woude spoke of “awake madness”.
The majority do not feel restricted in their expression
According to the research, the majority of researchers, teachers and students think that their ability to express themselves is either not limited at all or only slightly limited, and the majority do not self-censor.
But Dijkgraaf notes that there are significant minorities in each group who feel “somewhat to very severely constrained” and practice self-censorship. For example, between 10 and 34 percent of students (depending on study activity) feel their ability to express themselves freely is restricted, and between 7 and 33 percent of students have self-censored several times in the past three years.
“Fear of being pigeonholed”
Researchers note that students and teachers sometimes do not dare to speak up for fear they will be cornered (as a racist, a conspiracy theorist, or a leftist or woke activist, for example).
In his letter to the House of Representatives, Dijkgraaf emphasizes that academic freedom “is vital for high-quality academic practice in an open society.” He also adds that students should express themselves freely, even if their views do not agree with those of their teachers or the majority of their classmates.
“Higher education is not an isolated case”
The Minister expects institutions to continue to prioritize an open scientific culture. He is concerned that some staff and students feel restricted in expressing their views. He also writes that higher education and science are not unique in this respect: “The causes of self-censorship relate to broader developments such as the polarization of public debate and the politicization of social problems.”
Dijkgraaf agrees with the researchers’ recommendation that greater attention should be paid to discussion skills in higher education and that reporting and complaints procedures should be improved. It also follows recommendations to prevent intimidation and violence from leading to future self-censorship. The Minister will meet with the relevant institutions about the situation.
Source: NOS
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
