Threats to Academic Freedom in Latin America

While academic freedom and university autonomy are legally and constitutionally recognized in Latin America, efforts of governments to undermine it have become a major threat to democracy in many countries in the region. Critical views are easily condemned as alleged “plans to destabilize the government”. Autonomous institutions supporting critical views and open debates are subject to persecution and financial restrictions while universities in line with governmental ideology are supported by the government. What are the consequences when critical thought is being restrained in a particular country? And what will happen if critical academics are forced out of their country? David Gómez and Fabiano Toni share their thoughts as human rights defender and academic researcher, respectively. They will discuss their work in the context of challenges to overcome the threats against academic freedom in the context of old and new authoritarian governments in Latin America.