Academic Freedom Policy: Protecting Freedom in Teaching, Research and Scholarly Inquiry
The Maldives National University (MNU) recognises academic freedom as fundamental to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, innovation and informed public discourse.
MNU has adopted an Academic Freedom Policy that protects the freedom of academic staff, researchers and students to pursue knowledge, undertake independent research, teach, publish scholarly findings, question established ideas and contribute evidence-based perspectives to matters of national and international importance.
The policy safeguards academic judgement from improper political, institutional, commercial and other external influence. It promotes an academic environment in which different perspectives can be examined through evidence, reasoned argument and respectful dialogue.
As the national university, MNU is committed to providing a neutral and independent academic space that encourages critical inquiry, intellectual diversity and academic integrity, while recognising the professional responsibilities that accompany academic freedom.
View Academic Freedom Policy
Key Provisions of the Academic Freedom Policy
The policy establishes the following protections and principles:
Key Provision
MNU’s Commitment
Scope of Protection
Covers academic staff at all career stages, including junior and senior academics, permanent, fixed-term, part-time, visiting, adjunct and honorary academics, as well as researchers and students engaged in scholarly activities.
Freedom in Research
Protects independent research, including the freedom to select research topics, determine appropriate methodologies and reach evidence-based conclusions.
Freedom in Teaching
Protects academic freedom in selecting teaching approaches, scholarly materials and academic perspectives within approved curricula and academic standards.
Freedom to Publish
Protects the publication and dissemination of legitimate research findings, including findings critical of government policies, institutional practices or prevailing views.
Academic Independence
Safeguards academic judgement from improper political, institutional, commercial and other external influence, including interference from funding bodies or collaborative partners.
View MNU Ilmee Foavahi.
Protection from Retaliation
Protects members of the University community from disciplinary action or disadvantage solely for responsibly exercising legitimate academic freedom.
These freedoms are accompanied by responsibilities relating to academic integrity, research ethics, professional conduct, respect for others and compliance with applicable laws and University policies.
Institutional Responsibility for Academic Freedom
MNU’s Academic Freedom Policy establishes institutional responsibilities for safeguarding academic freedom.
The University Council has overall responsibility for protecting the principles established by the policy, while the Vice Chancellor is responsible for promoting an institutional environment that supports academic freedom, academic responsibility and institutional neutrality.
The Academic Senate supports academic freedom in teaching, research, scholarship and academic governance. Deans and Heads of Academic Units are responsible for promoting respectful academic discourse and ensuring that academic decisions are based on legitimate academic considerations.
The policy also provides mechanisms for members of the University community to raise concerns where they believe their academic freedom has been improperly restricted, including through established grievance, academic governance and research governance procedures.
Supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
MNU’s commitment to academic freedom contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.10, which promotes public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
By safeguarding independent teaching, research, scholarly publication and evidence-based public discussion, MNU supports intellectual independence, informed dialogue and accountable institutions.
These principles reflect MNU’s SDG 16 commitment, Stronger Together: Shared Voices, Shared Decisions, recognising that strong institutions depend on academic integrity, intellectual independence, critical inquiry and respectful dialogue.
