WASHINGTON -- Academic freedom is close to the hearts of many. Being able to teach what "needs" to be taught, to speak out and to pursue thoughts to wherever they may lead are some of the most crucial components of academia. In light of this accepted axiom it is surprising to learn about opposition to the free exercise of higher education around the world.
Soon the World Trade Organization will take up the discussion of liberalizing cross-border services as part of the Doha Round. In an era of the knowledge society, one would expect negotiators to support the free flow of higher education across national borders. To the contrary, there is substantial resistance to the integration of this sector into the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Only four of 148 WTO members have suggested more openness.
Many countries are held back by vigorous resistance from their own universities. In their Statement on Behalf of Higher Education Institutions Worldwide, university associations from around the world proclaim fundamental disagreement with international competition: "Trade frameworks are not designed to deal with the academic, research, or broader social and cultural purposes of higher education."