News Article
Joy Connolly Responds to Report on Society Statements in Inside Higher Ed
In an August 27, 2024 Inside Higher Ed article, ACLS President Joy Connolly responded to a new report from the American Enterprise Institute that critiques “political statements” from scholarly societies. Along with leaders from the American Association of University Professors and PEN America, Connolly emphasized the value of scholarly societies and the importance of protecting their academic freedom to release statements.
Societies have a responsibility to address concerns raised by their members, and we believe strongly in protecting their freedom to do so. The report is disingenuous in suggesting that academic societies deserve defunding based on public statements, which is just one part of what they do.
Scholarly societies engage in vital work, setting standards of excellence in and supporting research, writing, and education, and provide resources, funding, and community to scholars across the globe.