BRISMES Committee on Academic Freedom

Previous Statements

2025

• In this statement, the BRISMES Committee on Academic Freedom explains its position that, contrary to common assumptions, academic boycotts can be consistent with—and even necessary for—upholding academic freedom and fundamental human rights, particularly in contexts of systemic injustice. - 18 June 2025
  • This statement has kindly been translated into Italian, and endorsed by, the SeSaMO Committee on Academic Freedom: https://www.brismes.ac.uk/file...
• The Academic Freedom Committee of the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES) published a response to the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) report on student encampments and Palestine solidarity. - 4 June 2025

2024

• Statement on the statement by Gina Romero, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. - 23 October 2024
• Statement on the abuse of risk assessments to curtail academic freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. - 21 October 2024
• Statement condemning the recent wave of repression by university administrations directed at students involved in encampments and other protests opposing Israel’s war on Gaza. - 5 August 2024
• Statement from BRISMES Council and the Committee on Academic Freedom in solidarity with student encampments. - 7 May 2024

2023

• Statement from BRISMES Council and Committee on Academic Freedom expressing deep concern over the political backlash within UK academia following the horrific events in Israel and Palestine. - 14 October 2023
  • Letter to UK vice-chancellors. - 16 October 2023
  • Letters to Education Secretary, HE Minister, Shadow HE Minister, Scottish HE Minister and Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom. - 18 October 2023
• Statement in solidarity with Dr Muriel Asseburg of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs after she came under attack by the Israeli embassy in Berlin following comments that she made in a podcast discussing the situation in the Middle East. - 18 July 2023
• Statement of support for the Centre for Lebanese Studies (CLS), which abruptly had its partnership with the Lebanese American University (LAU) terminated. The committee expressed its support for CLS and its appreciation for the vital work that it does in Lebanon, the Middle East and the UK. - 1 March 2023
• Statement from the BRISMES Committee on Academic Freedom in response to the Rebecca Tuck KC report on alleged antisemitism in the National Union of Students (NUS). - 1 February 2023