OSUN Publications

Academic Freedom Across Liberal Arts Colleges in Europe

Ceyhun Elgin, American University in Bulgaria

Abstract

This study introduces a novel index measuring academic freedom across liberal arts colleges (LACs) in Europe. Recognizing the limitations of existing rankings that overlook freedom of expression, our project aims to fill this critical gap. We employ a comprehensive methodology combining legal analysis, self-reporting surveys, events data, social media, and media analysis. The project, a collaboration among three liberal arts institutions, aims to create a continuously maintained index that captures both hard and soft forms of repression. Our findings underscore the importance of academic freedom for societal progress and civil liberties. Preliminary results indicate significant disparities in academic freedom across European LACs, with varying degrees of institutional commitment and external pressures impacting these freedoms.