To what extent should academic freedom allow academics to criticise their universities?

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Monash University Law Review

Publisher

Monash University

School

School of Business and Law

RAS ID

58322

Comments

Levine, P., & Rigby, H. (2022). To what extent should academic freedom allow academics to criticise their universities?. Monash University Law Review, 48(1), 131-169. https://doi.org/10.26180/20792524.v2

Abstract

The recent case of Schröder-Turk v Murdoch University has thrown up questions in relation to the extent to which an academic is allowed to criticise the university at which they are employed. What freedom, if any, does an academic have to criticise the practices of their Australian university? Are there any limits to this freedom? Are these limits appropriate? These questions in turn raise questions as to the existence and nature of any right that an academic has to exercise academic freedom in Australia and the extent to which this right may provide an academic with more protection to criticise their university employer than they may have otherwise had and whether this may have unintended, detrimental consequences. Does this right to academic freedom allow academics to criticise their institution whether or not they have a reasonable basis for doing so and if so, should this be the case? This article explores these questions with particular reference to the effect of the Model Code for the Protection of Free Speech and Academic Freedom recommended by former High Court of Australia Chief Justice Robert French and proposes some amendments to this Code.

DOI

10.26180/20792524.v2

Access Rights

free_to_read

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