The International Studies Association, the world’s largest association of scholars in the field, adds its voice to those who already have spoken out against the proposed decree in Hungary to revoke accreditation for gender studies programs. This proposal, which is described in reports obtained from international media, constitutes an attack on academic freedom. We urge the Hungarian government to reconsider its plan before a law is put in place to eliminate programs on gender studies.

This statement follows on from previous ones issued by ISA about actions taken by the Hungarian government against the Central European University. As such, we reiterate our concerns about academic freedom in Hungary. ISA has many members throughout Europe and we consider it our duty to join other concerned professional bodies in monitoring this situation.

For further information about ISA’s deliberative processes on academic freedom concerns and the committee’s charge from the Governing Council, please see: http://www.isanet.org/ISA/Governance/Committees/Academic-Freedom.

Respectfully,

Patrick James, ISA President
Mark A. Boyer, ISA Executive Director
Kristian Gleditsch, Chair, ISA Academic Freedom Committee