Jaffna University Teachers’ Association demands punitive action against group engaged in smear campaign to throttle freedom of expression

The Jaffna Teachers’ Association has urged the university administration to take punitive measures against a group engaged in a smear campaign.

The following is the text of a statement issued by the Association: “Universities function as sites that nourish exchange of ideas. Freedom of speech is an integral part of academic freedom. Those who are part of a university community are generally mature enough to debate and discuss ideas.

Recently, anonymous posters were put up, within the premises of the University of Jaffna, attacking 15 academics of the University who had signed a statement. This and other similar incidents that took place within the University of Jaffna should be understood as attempts to stifle freedom of expression within the University.

Those who engage in such cowardly acts bring disrepute to not just themselves but also the University of Jaffna. While condemning this vicious poster campaign, the University of Jaffna Teachers’ Association emphasises that the administration of the University of Jaffna must identify those who engaged in this smear campaign and take appropriate action against them.”