Version: 3        Creation date: 2001        Last review date: 12 December 2025

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish the fundamental principles and guidelines for protecting the rights to academic freedom and freedom of expression of academic staff and students at Near East University, and to ensure the maintenance of a pluralistic, inclusive and safe academic environment in which different views can be expressed freely.

Near East University recognizes academic freedom and freedom of expression as among the fundamental principles of the University and supports the development of a pluralistic academic environment in which different views can be expressed freely, respectfully and constructively.

The University supports academic staff, students and other members of the academic community in freely expressing their views and ideas, conducting their academic activities independently, and ensuring that different perspectives are included in academic and intellectual discussions. In this context, the organization of events, conferences, courses, seminars and similar academic activities, including those involving speakers who represent controversial or differing views, is regarded as part of academic freedom and freedom of expression.

Freedom of expression is exercised within the framework of applicable legislation and the relevant policies and regulations of the University. While the University takes necessary measures against conduct that leads to violence, discrimination, hate speech, or violations of the rights and freedoms of others, it also safeguards legitimate forms of academic and intellectual expression.

2. Scope

The Academic Freedom Policy covers the rights of academic staff, researchers and students to freely present evidence-based views and choose methods and content in teaching, research, publication and public expression; and their responsibilities regarding academic integrity, ethics and law, safety and non-discrimination. It also covers the distinction between institutional and individual views, disclosure of conflicts of interest, impartial review of alleged violations, protection against retaliation, and the principles of open science and intellectual property.

3. Definition

According to Article 6(1) of the Higher Education Law No. 65/2005 of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), academic freedom and institutional autonomy are fundamental principles of higher education. The same law defines 'academic freedom' as 'the freedom of academic staff and universities to conduct academic research and express their views, in accordance with international standards and the principles of scientific ethics, without any pressure or restriction.'

In accordance with the definition provided above, this policy defines 'academic freedom' as follows:

• The freedom of academic staff to engage in teaching, the exchange of ideas and research activities, and to disseminate and publish the results of their research without restriction; subject to applicable legislation and relevant research ethics requirements;
• The rights of academic staff and students to engage actively in intellectual inquiry relating to their fields of study and research, to express their views and beliefs, and to contribute actively to public debate;
• The freedom of academic staff and students to express their views concerning the higher education institution at which they are employed or enrolled;
• The autonomy of academic staff with regard to teaching methodologies and research activities, including the freedom to determine how courses are conducted and how research activities are carried out;
• The freedom of academic staff to be represented in the academic bodies of the University or to participate in professional academic organizations;
• The freedom of students to participate actively in student communities and associations.

4. Applicability of the Policy

This policy applies to the following individuals and communities:

• All University affiliates, including members of the Board of Trustees;
• Every individual employed by the University, whether on a part-time or full-time basis, as well as individuals representing the institution;
• All students enrolled at the University, regardless of their enrollment status (full-time or part-time);
• All individuals studying at the University under an agreement with another institution (for example, a school, college or employer), regardless of their formal enrollment status at the University;
• All communities, clubs or associations operating on University premises;
• All individuals invited to speak at or participate in events organized by the University.

5. Principles of Academic Freedom

The University upholds academic autonomy and recognizes its responsibilities to protect the academic freedom of both academic staff and students and to safeguard their right to exercise freedom of expression. The University strives to ensure that every individual covered by this Policy enjoys freedom of speech and expression within the limits of the law.

The University protects the right of academic staff to make public statements, within the scope of academic freedom, in relation to their areas of expertise or personal views. Unless such statements are explicitly made on behalf of the University, they shall not be regarded as representing the institutional position of the University. For clarity, this includes statements made in a personal capacity, provided they are not presented as official University statements.

The University is responsible for ensuring that the sharing of expressions and views remains within lawful and peaceful limits and does not lead to sedition, insurrection, ethnic, racial or religious hatred, sexual harassment, or harassment based on gender identity.

The University ensures that events held under its auspices do not encourage disruption of public order or violations of the law. Events shall be conducted in accordance with the right to peaceful protest and applicable legislation. The University prevents individuals or groups from being excluded from University events on the basis of their personal beliefs, views, policies or objectives.

The academic freedom of all academic staff and students may be restricted only in the following circumstances: Any restriction must fall within one of the grounds listed below.

• Legal requirements;
• Concerning reasonable, legitimate and proportionate regulations that are essential to the teaching and research functions of the University;
• Concerning reasonable, legitimate and proportionate regulations that are essential to the welfare of students and staff.

6. Guidelines for Organizing Events

The rules set out in this Policy apply to students, employees and other members of the University in relation to on-campus and off-campus events that are organized, funded by, affiliated with, or use the name or resources of the University.

A. Management of on-campus events

The University is responsible for maintaining good order at events that it hosts. In accordance with the framework of academic freedom set out above, the University has the authority and capacity to regulate events, including meetings and demonstrations organized or intended to be organized by the University, and to impose conditions or restrictions where necessary.

With regard to student communities, an application must be submitted to the Dean of Students for all events involving external speakers. This application must include details concerning the proposed topic, the structure of the event, the identities of the speakers, and the planned time and venue. “Planned time and venue” refers to the proposed date, start time and location of the event. Advertising is prohibited until permission for the event has been granted.

The University shall not without reasonable grounds refuse permission to organize and conduct an event. The expression of controversial views shall not, provided that it complies with the law, constitute reasonable grounds for refusing an event. Events may be refused by the University where the following are likely to occur: A controversial viewpoint alone is not sufficient grounds for refusal.

• Encouraging participants to commit a criminal offence;
• Leading to the unlawful expression of views, including hate speech;
• Leading to a breach of the peace, such as incitement to violence or aggression.

B. Organization of University events and activities off campus
Off-campus events organized by faculties and student communities shall be assessed in accordance with the guidelines set out in subsection A.

7. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed at regular intervals and updated as necessary.