An unauthorized trip by two students in Haiti following the
recent earthquake has caused a row of academic freedom in the US, reports Times
Higher Education. Jon Bough and Roman Safiullin, students of the Institute of
Documentary School of Journalism and Communication at the University of
Florida, returned to Haiti after a ban on the university to complete her thesis
documentary on aid workers. They pay for the trip themselves and worked without
any input from the university.
When students returned to Florida, they said their final thesis presentation could not include any footage after the earthquake because they had broken the rules of the university.
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) expressed concern over the weakening of academic freedom, reported Times Higher Education. In particular, the AAUP complained the ban was imposed by the central administration of the university, rather than by academic supervisors.
When students returned to Florida, they said their final thesis presentation could not include any footage after the earthquake because they had broken the rules of the university.
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) expressed concern over the weakening of academic freedom, reported Times Higher Education. In particular, the AAUP complained the ban was imposed by the central administration of the university, rather than by academic supervisors.
Times Higher Education
Iran: Imprisoned scholar faces serious health problems
Emadeddin Bathe, an Iranian academic and journalist currently being held in Evan Prison, Tehran reportedly facing serious health problems. Scholars at Risk reported that Bathe was hospitalized on March 20 after losing consciousness as a result of a respiratory disease exacerbated by their detention. SAR has issued a notice of action calling on the authorities to ensure their welfare during their detention.
Bathe was arrested at his home on 28 December 2009. He was arrested without charges and brought to an undisclosed location. Since then, reportedly has been in solitary confinement, without access to lawyers or medical care. SAR also said Bathe was not allowed regular visits with family.
Scholars at Risk (SAR)
Taiwan warned students studying in China
The Ministry of Education has warned school students from Taiwan studying at universities against China until approved major amendments to key education laws. According to the Taipei Times, the ministry issued the call in response to China's latest policy to attract the best students from Taiwan at their universities.
The policy announced by Beijing to improve Taiwanese students applied directly to Chinese universities without having to take the entrance exam standard. The Department of Higher Education said that while the new measures China may sound attractive for Taiwanese students, diplomas and degrees Chinese are not yet fully recognized in Taiwan.
The main amendments to the University Act, the Professional School of Law and the Law Governing the Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area must be approved by the legislature before being recognized.
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