“It is true, universities not only can be the product, but also the guardians of democracy, both at the same time” was Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou’s first take on the discussion titled “The role of universities in modern democracy”, which was held virtually on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Covering a range of topics from academic freedom to social responsibility, the discussion explored the evolving role of universities in upholding democratic values. “From their very inception universities are the heart of academic knowledge and research, and the driving force behind helping societies evolve. Often, they have also been arenas for the fight for democracy and free speech”, highlighted A. Bousdoukou.
The SNF Dialogues opened the discussion to both experts and students who shared their insights into this important topic based on their experience. Irene Mulvey, AAUP Immediate Past President and Professor Emerita of Mathematics at Fairfield University, admitted that “we in the higher education community have not done a good job in explaining the value of the university. Higher education is a pillar of democracy, and when you undermine it, you are threatening democracy”. John Holmwood, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Nottingham, added that “part of the problem is how the university is being constructed in the public imagination and that’s very different from the way the university is in terms of the experience of most students”.
