Yale expands efforts to protect scholars at risk

02/07/23

In a demonstration of its commitment to academic freedom, Yale will enhance and expand its Scholars at Risk (SAR) program, which provides temporary professional appointments and a welcoming community for scholars, writers, artists, and activists worldwide who face persecution or other dangers. Yale President Peter Salovey and Provost Scott Strobel have initiated several measures to extend the program’s reach across the university, improve its infrastructure, and boost its funding.

“Given the many global crises that are endangering scholars around the world, Yale will build on its existing efforts to provide a safe haven for imperiled researchers, artists, and thinkers,” Salovey said. “These new investments in the program will strengthen our ability to bring at-risk scholars to campus so that they can safely continue their work in a supportive environment. Their presence here enriches our intellectual community and reminds us of the importance of academic freedom and free expression.”

In May 2022, Salovey convened a 10-member committee of faculty and staff to review the SAR program and make recommendations on how to improve it. After gathering facts about Yale’s program and studying similar initiatives at other colleges and universities, the committee presented its recommendations in a Nov. 30 report.

Steven Wilkinson, the Vice Provost for Global Strategy and MacMillan Center Director who chaired the review committee, said. “This new process and the SAR Committee it creates will allow schools and units across the university to nominate scholars at risk and provide a source of funds that can supplement and leverage local efforts. The fact that Yale is putting its own resources in will also, we hope, leverage foundation and donor support that allows us to do even more.” For further details, including contact information, please visit the Scholars At Risk page at the Yale and the World website.

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