Statement of Support: #IstandwithCEU

All the Universities of the Global Campus Network, meeting today in Sarajevo for the Global Campus Conference 2017 - ''Liquid reconciliation: Global perspectives, Glocal realities'', express their deep concern at the proposed legislative changes to Central European University's status in Hungary.

These changes would endanger the academic freedom vital for CEU’s continued operation in Budapest and would strike a blow against the academic freedom that enables all universities, including those in Hungary, to flourish.

In twenty-five years, Central European University has established itself as an international university with a global reputation for teaching and research in the social sciences and humanities. It attracts students from 117 countries and faculty from 40. Students and lecturers from CEU focusing on human rights studies and teaching human rights-related subjects have often taken part in educational and research activities developed within our network, and likewise students or lecturers associated with our network have continued their studies or careers with CEU, in the most fruitful way.

CEU is a leading university according to international rankings, with some of CEU’s departments being rated among the top 50 in the world. CEU is a valued member of the international academic community and its presence in Hungary has added to the reputation of Hungarian academic life on the international stage. The government’s proposed legislation to alter its statute of operation in Hungary would compromise its academic freedom and set a dangerous precedent for academic life in other countries.

We respectfully urge the government to withdraw the proposed legislation and enter consultation with CEU.