Student Rights in an Age of Austerity? ‘Security’, Freedom of Expression and the Neoliberal University

Abstract

In this profile, we examine a worrying trend taking place in institutions of higher education around the world: a notable increase in their managerial corporatization and neoliberalization, combined with greater repression of freedom of expression on campuses under the aegis of 'securitization'. We focus attention specifically on how these twinned trends have impacted student activism in a post-2008 austerity-driven economic environment. Drawing on examples from Canada and elsewhere, we highlight attempts to depoliticize and institutionalize student engagement, as well as evidence of students working to break free of myriad constraints to foment change in their respective communities.

An Introduction to Revisiting Development Studies Education and an Invitation to Rethink Teaching, Learning and Knowledge Production in the Neoliberal University

“…The governance and audit mechanisms of academics affect pedagogy and student–teacher relations. Narrow managerial conceptualizations of the ‘student experience’ and the institutionalization of ‘student engagement’ into pre-approved spaces can limit expression and students’ own academic freedoms (Smeltzer and Hearn, 2015). The affordability of higher education and, in the UK context, transfer of payment model from state to student, produces greater numbers of student-workers compelled to approach higher education as a tactic to ‘cultivat[e] their “employability”’ (Beban and Trueman, 2018).…”

Deconstructing Generations in Movements: Introduction

“…This is, for instance, particularly relevant in higher education. First of all, students’ free and autonomous time is drastically reduced in neoliberal universities, where spaces and opportunities for aggregation are also reduced, while the student body becomes increasingly heterogeneous in terms of social background, age, country of origin, conditions as paying versus nonpaying students, and full versus part-time students (Smeltzer & Hearn, 2015, p. 353). Students tend to be less oriented to live in student residences, and there is an increasing number of student workers.…”

Scholar-Activist Terrain in Canada and Ireland

“…We found general agreement across the board that engaging in activist pursuits is usually a liability in terms of employment, promotion, funding, and, for some, intellectual freedom. Not surprisingly, individuals in a precarious labour situation were particularly concerned that the time and energy they dedicate to their activist commitments would prove detrimental to landing a full-time academic position or securing tenure (see in this issue, O'Flynn & Panayiotopoulos, and Manning, Holmes, Pullen Sansfaçon, Temple Newhook & Travers; see also Flood, Martin & Dreher, 2013;Kezar & Sam, 2013;Madeloni, 2014;Smeltzer & Hearn, 2015). Relatedly, there was strong agreement that their home institutions preferred more sanitized forms of 'community engagement' over activism that might disrupt the political and economic status quo on campus (and presumably put at risk the institution's 'brand') and off campus (jeopardizing funding from some of the institution's sponsors and alumni donors) (Flood, Martin & Dreher, 2013;Hanke & Hearn, 2012;Smeltzer, 2015;Vogelgesang & Rhoads, 2003).…”

“…Indeed, given the conditions of neoliberalism and the educational and societal repercussions of a deteriorating welfare state, many scholars feel a stronger pull than ever to engage in activism that aims to make a difference in the lives of others (Baker, Lynch, Cantillon & Walsh, 2004;Holborow, 2012, pp. 32-33;Smeltzer & Hearn, 2015).…”