Firstly, I personally stand with fellow scholars and institutions in Argentina and across the world in defense of academic freedom—one of the fundamental pillars of any democratic society.
I express my most profound concern regarding the recent budget cuts affecting Argentina’s higher education and research institutions, including the veto of the University Funding Law. Reducing resources for universities and research centers threatens the livelihood of faculty and administrative staff, undermines scholarship funding, and hinders critical research that contributes to advances in science, technology, and societal well-being.
These actions impact educators and students but also endanger the broader society, affecting essential areas such as health, security, poverty reduction, and the justice system. Universities’ capacity to drive knowledge production and innovation, which is critical to addressing societal challenges, is now at great risk.
I urge the President of Argentina to reconsider these damaging budgetary decisions. Additionally, it is crucial to refrain from using derogatory language when referring to the academic community. Disparaging remarks harm the integrity of democratic debate and undermine one of the core pillars of democracy—the free and open pursuit of knowledge.
In solidarity with academics and organizations worldwide, I call for the defense of academic freedom and the preservation of an environment where education and research can continue to flourish.
Sincerely,
Mario Aquino Alves
