IPSA Statement on the Romanian Law Banning Gender Studies

The International Political Science Association has released a statement addressed to Romania’s President Klaus Werner Iohannis urging him not to sign the controversial National Education Law that prohibits the teaching of gender studies in Romanian education institutions:

I am writing to you as the President of the International Political Science Association that brings together scholars, students and other related professionals of Political Science from around the world to pursue their common scholarly interests. The preservation of academic freedom in all its manifestations including among others choosing what to study and how to study it, the unimpeded conduct of research, the free dissemination of findings and their incorporation into teaching, as well as the determination of what to teach constitutes a core interest of our association. In this context, it is with dismay that we note that there has been a recent proclivity on the part of many governments - including even those of democratic societies - to limit the practice of teaching and research of specific subjects and thus limit the practice of academic freedom in their respective countries.

It is with grave concern that we view the new Romanian law on education enacted in June and September, which bans teaching of gender studies and the conduct of associated research. We consider such legislation to be in clear violation of academic freedom and feel that it undermines the very nature of a democratic society. We urge you not to sign all or parts of the new law that are in conflict with the practice of academic freedom and facilitate the research and teaching of our Romanian colleagues in all areas including gender studies in a way that is becoming of a democratic society.

Prof. Dr. Marianne Kneuer
IPSA President