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Academic Freedom Under Siege: Milton's Curse and University Case Studies

These notes explore the concept of academic freedom, particularly in the context of contemporary university challenges, framed by the idea of "Milton's Curse."

What is Milton's Curse?

"Milton's Curse" refers to the continuing struggle for and challenges to academic freedom within universities, suggesting that despite historical arguments for free expression, such as those made by John Milton in his 1644 tract Areopagitica, institutions still grapple with pressures that can suppress inquiry and open discourse. Milton's work argued against licensing and censorship, advocating for a free marketplace of ideas where truth would ultimately prevail over falsehood. The "curse" implies that the principles Milton advocated are still under siege, leading to a chilling effect or direct suppression of controversial ideas, even centuries later, hindering the unfettered pursuit and dissemination of knowledge.

Case Studies of Academic Freedom Under Siege

Hamline University

  • Incident: Involved Professor Erika López Prater.

  • Context: The incident at Hamline University became a significant case study concerning religious sensitivity, academic freedom, and the display of art in an educational setting. In an art history class on Islamic art, Professor López Prater displayed two 14th-century depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. Although she provided content warnings and an opt-out option, a Muslim student complained, leading to the university's decision not to renew her contract, citing respect for students' religious beliefs. This action sparked international debate about self-censorship, the role of academic institutions in protecting controversial but academically relevant material, and the balance between religious accommodation and pedagogical freedom. Professor López Prater later reached a settlement with the university. (Further details implied to be available via the provided link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnbH7YogP1U)

Evergreen State College

  • Incident: Involved Professor Brett Weinstein.

  • Context: Professor Weinstein's case at Evergreen State College became widely publicized as an example of campus protests impacting academic freedom and the ability of faculty to express dissenting views without fear of reprisal. In 2017, Weinstein voiced concerns over a proposed change to the annual "Day of Absence/Day of Presence" tradition, which historically involved minority students and faculty leaving campus for a day to demonstrate their contributions. The proposed change asked white students and faculty to leave campus. Weinstein's refusal to participate, arguing it constituted a race-based segregation, led to significant student protests, harassment, and an effective shutdown of the campus. He and his wife (also a professor) eventually resigned, alleging the college failed to protect them. The case highlighted tensions surrounding identity politics, free speech, and administrative responses to student activism. (Further details implied to be available via the provided link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cMYfXOFBBM)

University of Ottawa

Policy 121: Statement on Free Expression

  • Principles: The University of Ottawa explicitly articulates its commitment to free expression:

    • As an autonomous, self-governing institution, its most fundamental value is academic freedom.

    • It prizes and protects freedom of inquiry and all forms of freedom of expression.

    • The University neither seeks to shield its community from controversial or objectionable views.

    • It does not permit interference with the free expression of the full spectrum of human thought.

    • These freedoms are upheld within the limits that bind the University under Canadian and Ontario law, which include restrictions on hate speech, defamation, harassment, and incitement to violence, ensuring that freedom of expression is exercised responsibly and legally.

Janice Fiamengo Incident

  • Incident: Involved Janice Fiamengo, and references a "men's rights event disrupted by protest."

  • Context: This incident highlights tension between free expression and campus activism, where an event featuring controversial speakers faced disruption. In 2016, Janice Fiamengo, a former English professor known for her criticisms of feminism and her affiliation with the men's rights movement, was scheduled to speak at the University of Ottawa. The event, organized by a student group, was met with significant student protests. Protesters actively disrupted the event, preventing Fiamengo from speaking, leading to a physical altercation and questions about the university's ability to ensure a safe space for speakers with unpopular views while respecting students' right to protest. (Further details implied to be available via the links: https://thefulcrum.ca/news/mens-rights-event-disrupted-by-protest/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yg-f7fCOUW)

Medical Student Suspension

  • Incident: A University of Ottawa medical student was suspended for "pro-Palestinian posts."

  • Context: This case exemplifies the challenges faced by students regarding their off-campus expression and its potential repercussions within an academic institution. In early 2024, a medical student was suspended by the Faculty of Medicine following complaints about social media posts related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which some deemed antisemitic. The university initiated an investigation and suspended the student, raising concerns about the scope of institutional oversight over students' personal online activities and the protection of free speech, particularly on politically sensitive topics. The news suggests the individual was later reinstated but chose not to return, indicating the lasting impact of such disciplinary actions. (Further details implied to be available via the link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/u-of-o-doctor-suspended-for-pro-palestinian-posts-says-he-s-been-reinstated-won-t-go-back-1.7088887)

University of Toronto

  • Incident: Involved Jordan Peterson.

  • Context: This case gained significant media attention globally, focusing on issues of compelled speech, gender identity, and the "right to be politically incorrect" within university settings. Professor Peterson, a psychology professor, rose to prominence in 2016 due to his public opposition to Canada's Bill C-16, which proposed adding gender identity and expression as protected grounds to the Canadian Human Rights Act. He argued that the bill could compel individuals to use specific gender pronouns, thereby infringing on freedom of speech. His views sparked widespread debate and protests from trans-rights activists and supporters, while also garnering significant support from free speech advocates. Peterson's stance led to university warnings regarding his conduct, public lectures, and rallies, becoming a touchstone for discussions on political correctness, academic freedom, and the limits of free expression in contemporary academia. (Further details implied to be available via the links: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/jordan-peterson-the-right-to-be-politically-incorrect and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irfj1FxQkcl)

Conclusion: Milton's Curse

The recurrence of incidents across various universities, involving professors and students alike, underscores the ongoing relevance of "Milton's Curse." Despite stated commitments to free expression and academic freedom, these detailed case studies demonstrate that universities continue to be arenas where the boundaries of acceptable speech, controversial views, and the right to inquiry are constantly tested and challenged by internal and external pressures. The struggle to uphold the ideals of open discourse, critical thinking, and the unfettered pursuit of knowledge in academia remains a pertinent and ongoing issue, illustrating that the principles articulated by Milton are far from universally realized or consistently protected in practice.