ISA's Academic Freedom Committee

The Academic Freedom Committee (AFC) would like to remind ISA members that we are a newly created committee that is charged with documenting instances where scholars in all disciplines related to international studies are persecuted for their peaceful, non-partisan, professional or personal activities, particularly when engaged in activities related to scholarly research and teaching. The Committee will document such violations as: government revocation of academic degrees; demotion or dismissal; denial of a petition to emigrate, travel abroad or return to one's country of origin; and arrest, arbitrary detention, disappearance, and extrajudicial killing

The mandate of the AFC includes all scholars of international studies, beginning with but not limited to members of the ISA and affiliated national international studies associations. This policy pertains only to the non-partisan, peaceful conduct of academic activities and freedom of expression. Any actions taken under this policy must not contradict ISA's prohibition regarding involvement in political issues.

In cases of documented, serious, and urgent threats to academic freedom, the AFC may, in consultation with the ISA President and Executive Director, publicize the threat or violation through official ISA newsletters, email lists and other relevant means, and urge ISA members to take action on an individual basis. The AFC may also recommend that ISA join the official advocacy efforts of peer organizations or express its concern directly to relevant government officials and international bodies. All action by the ISA as an organization requires a) in cases where urgent action is required, the unanimous consent of the voting members of the Executive Committee or b) in all other circumstances, a two-thirds majority of the Governing Council. Letters of inquiry and concern may be signed by the ISA President, the Governing Council, or the AFC, as deemed appropriate. The President may act on behalf of the ISA only with the expressed consent (as above) of the Executive Committee or Governing Council.

The AFC will convene in a formal session once a year at the annual meeting of ISA to review overall policies. For individual cases, Committee members will maintain electronic contact between sessions and can take up new cases and make proposals to the Executive Committee at any time during the year.  More details and contact information are available on the AFC website.