Academic Freedom
Academic freedom has been part of JGU’s founding vision since 2009, together with institutional autonomy and financial independence. These three make possible the university’s commitments to public service, pluralism, innovation, diversity and inclusivity. As an Institution of Eminence recognised by the Government of India, JGU has greater academic and administrative autonomy. It uses that autonomy to protect free enquiry in teaching, research and public debate.
Our Commitments
- Faculty and students are free to teach, study, research and publish on any subject, including contested or unpopular ones.
- Faculty and students may speak and write in public as citizens without institutional censorship or penalty.
- Appointment, promotion and assessment depend on academic merit, never on a person’s views.
- Anyone who believes their academic freedom has been infringed has a confidential way to raise it
Policy on Academic Freedom
Policy Details
- Policy Name: Academic Freedom Policy
- Year Reviewed: 2026
1. Purpose and Principles
1.1 The policy protects the freedom of scholars to teach, inquire, design curricula, publish research and take part in scholarly public discussion.
1.2 It rests on intellectual autonomy, responsibility to the standards of the discipline, and protection from censorship and retaliation.
1.3 It supports SDG Targets 16.3 and 16.10 and Target 4.7.
2. Scope and Definitions
2.1 Academic freedom covers the freedom to choose areas of research, to teach and design courses, to publish and to speak publicly about one's area of expertise.
2.2 It applies to work done on and off campus, in person and online.
3. Policy Statement
3.1 Faculty and researchers are free to choose their research topics and methods, subject to ethical review.
3.2 Faculty are free to teach and discuss their subjects openly, and students are free to question, disagree and learn.
3.3 Scholars may speak publicly about their expertise. When they speak in a personal capacity, they make clear that they do not speak for the university.
3.4 No one is penalised for lawful scholarly work, or for views expressed within the law.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 The Office of Academic Governance is custodian of the policy.
4.2 The Research Ethics Review Board reviews research for ethical standards, not for popularity of its views.
4.3 An independent Academic Freedom Committee hears complaints and gives recommendations.
4.4 The Office of Dispute Resolution handles grievances and mediation.
5. Procedure
5.1 Concerns about interference can be sent to the Office of Academic Governance at academicgovernance@jgu.edu.in or to the Office of Dispute Resolution at odr@jgu.edu.in.
5.2 The Academic Freedom Committee reviews the concern, hears the persons involved and recommends action to the Vice-Chancellor.
6. Protection Against Retaliation
6.1 No one who raises a concern in good faith will be harassed, penalised or treated unfairly.
6.2 Censorship of lawful scholarly work is not permitted.
7. Engagement and Monitoring
7.1 In 2026 JGU will engage with the Scholars at Risk Network, an alliance of more than 500 institutions in 40 countries that protects scholars and promotes academic freedom.
7.2 The Academic Freedom Committee reports on concerns and outcomes each year.
8. Review
8.1 The policy is reviewed at least once every year and was last reviewed in 2026.
