Judge Sides with UF Professors in Academic Freedom Case

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Facts

  • A judge has issued a preliminary ruling in favor of six University of Florida professors in a suit focused on academic freedom.1
  • The professors sued UF after it prohibited them from serving as expert witnesses, or 'friends of the court', in cases that challenged state policies on e.g. voting and mask mandates.1
  • Chief US District Judge Mark Walker ruled that the university had 'bowed to perceived pressure from Florida's political leaders and...sanctioned the unconstitutional suppression of ideas out of favor with Florida's ruling party.'1

Sources: 1Axios.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Newsweek. Academic freedom, and free speech more generally, are crucial pillars of democracy. UF attempted to shut these down to silence speech inconvenient to the state's Republican administration.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by Gainesville Sun. This was not about academic freedom; UF employees were using the university's prestige and the state's time and resources to advocate for their personal political views. It's unacceptable for taxpayers to have to shoulder that burden.