Statement in support of the Central European University

Posted on Tuesday 11 April 2017

The University of York notes with concern the attack on academic freedom and the values of academic internationalisation following the legislative amendments put forward by the Hungarian Government.

Not only will these changes severely compromise the independence and operations of the Central European University in Budapest but they also represent a blow to academic freedom and independence worldwide, fundamental values to any free society.

Since its creation, the Central European University has been an intellectual beacon in Europe, attracting students and academics from around the globe.  Changes to the Hungarian National Higher Education Law threaten the status and operations of the whole Higher Education sector in Hungary and may isolate it from international partners.

As a University that has strongly supported academics at risk, York stands in solidarity with the international Higher Education community and urges the Hungarian Government to rethink its policy, guaranteeing academic freedom and autonomy to all Hungarian universities.

Professor Koen Lamberts, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of York