Statement of the Council of the Learned Society on the Draft of the New Higher Education Act

The Council of the Learned Society welcomes the discussion of the draft of the new Higher Education Act, which originated as an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The Council has been engaged with higher education issues for more than a year and has the following comments on the draft as submitted:

For centuries, universities have been places of learning, free inquiry, and the integration of research and teaching. The new Higher Education Act should build on this tradition while clearly articulating the purpose and mission of universities in a rapidly changing world. In our view, this reflection is missing from the draft.

At the same time, a balance must be maintained between universities' public accountability and their academic freedom and autonomy. This balance must also be reflected in the way they are governed. We therefore consider the proposed method of establishing and composing university boards to be problematic and recommend that it be reconsidered.