The purpose of the statement is to strengthen and support academic freedom at Aalborg University. The statement supplements the rules on freedom of speech and must work in conjunction with the other rules for public employees.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in a democratic society and is inextricably linked to the academic freedom to conduct research and teach unimpeded. Academic freedom is a prerequisite for Aalborg University (AAU) in order to fulfil its statutory purpose of conducting research and providing research-based education at the highest international level in its academic disciplines as well as contributing to promoting growth, welfare and development in society.

Freedom of speech, freedom in research and freedom in teaching are described and guaranteed in several places: the Danish Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights, the University Act, the Danish Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and the AAU rules on staff members' freedom of speech.

This statement builds on the above and aims to support academic freedom for AAU staff and students. AAU protects academic freedom in recognition of the fact that freedom is not a given.

Academic freedom guarantees the right to seek and impart knowledge without hindrance. This applies to research, education and collaboration. At the universities, knowledge is constantly being developed and challenged in a free exchange of ideas and thoughts. Tolerance of open dialogue, different research-based views and the right to conduct research and communicate research results independent of other interests is the very basis of the university's role in supporting society through the dissemination of science and the pursuit of truth.

It is AAU's duty to educate students to be reflective and critical and to ensure that students have the opportunity to freely express themselves and assemble for discussion and learning. Individuals and their academic expertise are formed and developed through insight into different perceptions and points of view, inside and outside the classroom. Students must have the opportunity to ask open, wonder and critical questions in order to acquire knowledge. This is ensured through a research-based approach to teaching where the interests of information and education within the existing legal framework cannot be subordinated to those of individuals.

AAU is a knowledge- and culture-bearing institution that must accommodate the curiosity-driven creation and exchange of knowledge for the good of society. Therefore, AAU staff members, in their capacity as researchers, are encouraged to freely engage in the public and political debate and express themselves in their research fields, thus not only contributing to knowledge and qualified opinion formation in society, but also helping to ensure that decisions in society are made on an informed basis. In academic debate, research and teaching, ideas and thoughts must be able to flourish, be investigated and discussed freely. This is true even if they may seem unpleasant, wrong or offensive to some. In both professional and social contexts, everyone is expected to show courtesy and mutual respect. Everyone must make an effort to understand the views of others, and it is up to the individual to objectively challenge ideas or opinions that they disagree with, thus supporting a culture where the better academically grounded argument carries the most weight.

Academic freedom is paramount and cannot be subordinated, within the existing legal framework, to other interests.

The policy was prepared by the Rector's Office and subsequently subject to comment in the academic councils and the Main Joint Consultation Committee, and thereafter endorsed by the Executive Management.

The statement was approved by the University Board.

Rules for staff members’ freedom of speech can be found here: Rules for staff members’ freedom of speech