Academic freedom under watch: The heightened silence of students and staff in the UAE

Academic freedom is not a commodity that can be exported without its most essential component: the safety of those who exercise it. When American universities establish branch campuses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), they enter a legal landscape increasingly hostile to the core values of open inquiry. Skyline International for Human Rights reached out to the leadership of Arizona State University, New York University, and the Rochester Institute of Technology as part of a broader initiative to ensure that institutional leaders prioritize freedom of expression and the physical security of their academic communities across these global hubs.

A wall of silence from university leadership

We formally requested information regarding the preventative safeguards and legal protections these institutions provide to their students and faculty operating under restrictive Emirati laws; however, none of the universities responded. This silence from university leadership suggests a troubling disconnect between the stated institutional commitments to academic freedom and the reality of university operations in the Gulf.

The lack of engagement is particularly alarming given the documented crackdown on students and faculty who express solidarity with Gaza. This domestic repression stands in sharp contrast to the official rhetoric of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which recently publicized its commitment to humanitarian aid and its diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause. Despite these diplomatic statements, recent documentation highlights how NYU Abu Dhabi administrators denied permission for Palestine-related events and even warned staff that criticism of the administration could lead to punishment under UAE laws.

The crackdown on students and teaching staff

In May 2024, a PhD student at NYU Abu Dhabi was detained for a week and subsequently deported after he shouted "Free Palestine" while wearing a keffiyeh during his graduation ceremony. Other graduates attempted to signal their dissent through non-verbal means, such as using American Sign Language or henna tattoos, yet university live streams reportedly cut away from these gestures to hide them from the public eye.

Teaching staff have also been affected by these repressive measures. In April 2024, an instructor of Palestinian nationality was ordered to leave the country without any legal recourse or explanation. Although the university secured a brief one-week extension for the teacher to conclude their affairs, the administration remained unable to prevent the forced departure of its staff member. Reports from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) also detail how the UAE Ministry of Interior summoned educators for interrogation after they held a teach-in on campus regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The consequences for voicing dissent extend to the administrative level, where the NYU Abu Dhabi Provost reportedly warned staff that criticizing university leadership could lead to criminal prosecution. This atmosphere of intimidation is further compounded by the arbitrary cancellation of scholarly events, including poetry nights and roundtables on Palestinian history. These actions create a chilling effect where both students and educators are forced to choose between their academic integrity and their personal safety.

Our inquiry to university leadership: Safeguard freedom of expression

In our formal letters to ASU, NYU, and RIT, we demanded transparency regarding the concrete steps being taken to safeguard freedom of expression in accordance with international human rights standards. We asked the leadership of these institutions to provide verifiable information on four critical areas:

• Evidence of formal reviews and updates to safety protocols following the May 2024 student detentions and faculty interrogations.
• Any steps taken to ensure faculty and students can engage in critical scholarship without fear of state-level retaliation.
• The existence of dedicated institutional frameworks to provide immediate legal support and diplomatic advocacy for community members facing detention or deportation.
• Confirmation of a direct diplomatic liaison and enhanced security measures to protect community members participating in academic programs within the UAE.

 

The systematic erosion of freedom of speech and expression

The closed civic space in the country reflects a broader crackdown on the fundamental rights of individuals to speak and associate freely. This environment is exemplified by the “UAE 84” mass trial and the use of the 2021 Cybercrime Law to monitor social media posts. Institutional prestige and local partnerships must not take precedence over the fundamental right to free expression. Universities fail as sanctuaries for ideas when they do not protect the individuals who voice those ideas. Remaining silent effectively leaves community members vulnerable to a state apparatus that uses invasive surveillance to silence advocates.

Academic freedom cannot be tolerated only when it is convenient. It must be defended, especially when it is under threat. We demand that university leadership break their silence and provide the transparency their academic communities deserve. Ensuring student and faculty safety in the digital age requires more than just innovative slogans. It requires a clear and enforceable framework for protection against state-led repression that aligns with international human rights standards.