Global Freedom of Expression
Cornell University engaged in a yearlong exploration of freedom of expression during the academic year 2023–24. The Indispensable Condition: Freedom of Expression at Cornell theme has particular significance for international research and teaching and for members of Cornell’s international community.
Global Cornell hosted events and discussions dedicated to exploring critical issues related to free expression, academic freedom, scholarship, and global collaboration. Here are some of the highlights.
Important Conversations
Ethical International Engagement: The Role of the University
In October, Allan Goodman, CEO of the Institute of International Education, joined Vice Provost Wendy Wolford and an expert panel to discuss how universities can provide safe haven for displaced scholars and act to promote scholarship, free expression, and global collaboration.
During his visit, Goodman presented IIE's Centennial Medal to Cornell for its work supporting international scholars. Read about the award.
Global Freedom of Expression in the News
Law Immigration Panel Asks, Who Has the Right to Free Speech?
The ACLU's Cecillia Wang was part of a panel discussion on free speech within the context of immigration, emphasizing fair application of First Amendment rights.
For Threatened Artists, Free Expression is Political and Personal
Artists from Nicaragua and Afghanistan kicked off Global Cornell’s contribution to this year’s campuswide freedom of expression theme. Watch the event video.
Defying the Odds
To mark the freedom of expression theme year, Global Cornell presented a three-part series profiling the challenges and successes of Cornell’s scholars under threat alumni, written by Afghan journalist Fatima Faizi.
Elja Sharifi’s Voice for the Powerless
Afghan visual artist and scholar Sharifa “Elja” Sharifi fled Afghanistan in September 2021, a month after the Taliban seized control. She found a new beginning at Cornell's Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, where she has been able to continue her work over the past two years.
Pedro X. Molina’s Delicate Achievement
Cartoonist Pedro X. Molina, currently a visiting critic in the Einaudi Center, challenges Nicaragua’s dictatorship with a daily cartoon. In 2023, he was honored with the Václav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent.
Azat Gündoğan’s Journey to FSU
After his family was forced to flee a government crackdown in Turkey, Florida State University sociologist Azat Gündoğan found a "lifeline" at Cornell as an IIE-SRC fellow.
Student Voices
As someone with a background different from the average American, [freedom of expression] allows me to articulate alternative viewpoints, and I'm grateful for the open-mindedness of the Cornell community.
[Freedom of Expression] means we can speak our minds freely. Everyone can have an equal chance to speak out without being afraid of suppression, threat, or sanction.
Freedom of expression is being yourself, your vision, or your choice. It means giving a chance to create and shape the reality as you want it, as you feel it. It makes humans different yet unites [us] all together.
To me, freedom of expression is the universal right to express one's opinions and thoughts while respecting others. This means that I can say and think whatever I want without having to worry about punishment. However, with the power of free speech comes great responsibility. We should therefore be aware of what we say and how it might affect both ourselves and others.
Recent Events
Full listing
Scholars Under Threat
Discover how Global Cornell supports international scholars, students, critics, artists, and journalists whose work puts them at risk in their home countries. We offer refuge and resources by creating space for free expression and scholarship. Learn more about Supporting Scholars Under Threat.