Freedom of Expression at St Andrews

Recent events at universities across the U.S. have raised significant concerns over freedom of expression, particularly regarding discussions around the Israel-Palestine conflict. Abdulkader Sinno's suspension from Indiana University highlights a broader crackdown on academic freedom amid student protests demanding an end to violence in Gaza. Similarly, the University of St Andrews faced backlash for dismissing Stella Maris from its governing board, a move criticized as an attack on free speech. Meanwhile, Texas State University's updated free speech policy, aiming to protect Jewish students, has drawn criticism for potentially stifling legitimate criticism of Israel. In Eswatini, the sentencing of former MPs for advocating democratic reforms has been condemned as a severe infringement on freedom of expression, reflecting a global pattern of suppressing dissent. These incidents collectively illustrate the precarious state of free speech within academic institutions and beyond.