Open Letter Condemning the Purge of Academic Institutions in Turkey

Worried

University of Exeter, History Department

This is the largest purge in modern history. Stalin would be proud. Under the guise of making Turkey safe, opponents of Erdogan are being muzzled.

You must allow our academic colleagues to travel and exchange ideas freely. Whatever the government thinks it will accomplish with such actions, attempting to constrain thoughts and freedom of information will only lead to further instability.

I am concerned about academic freedom in Turkey following the recent coup attempt. The event should not be used to purge academic institutions and should not be used as an excuse to fire staff. In my view it is important to retain important freedoms and rights and not attempt to purge institutions from opposition.

Professor of Psychology, NYU

Associate Professor of Philosophy, Tufts University, USA

This action will destroy the academic reputation of Turkey.

Professor, Modern Culture and Media, Brown University

Professor, Department of Mathematics, University of Chicago

A country's quick descent into international irrelevance begins with the systemic destruction of its intellectual institutions.

I lived in Turkey for three years. I care about the country and her people. Academic freedom is a hallmark of democracy. Don't throw away what you have achieved through struggle.

Dr. University of Coimbra, Portugal

Philosophy, Iowa State University

As a professor at an institution in the U.S. who has traveled to Turkey and relished my time with creative and brilliant human beings there, I am particularly appalled by this recent assault on academic freedom.

I have great respect for Turkey and high hopes for the sort of democracy and open society it can be.

This is simply a crime against humanity. The erasing of teachers and knowledge is an abuse to the people.

My affiliation is Northeastern State University in Oklahoma

Freedom is for all not individual!!

Assistant Project Scientist, Psychology Department, University of California, Los Angeles United States