Reading between the “Red Lines”
The Repression of Academic Freedom in Egyptian Universities

Acronyms

I. Summary

II. Recommendations

III. Academic Freedom: Definition and Legal Protections

Right to Education
Rights Belonging to Members of the Academic Community

Freedom of Opinion
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Association
Freedom of Assembly

Rights Attached to the Institution: University Autonomy
Protection from State and Non-State Actors
Self-Censorship
Other Human Rights Protections
Egyptian Law

IV. Background

Rise of the National Universities
The American University in Cairo (AUC)
Influence of Egyptian Universities
The History of Constraints on Academic Freedom in Egypt
Egyptian Universities Today

V. Government Repression

Instruments of Repression

Police Presence
Political Appointments
Laws and Regulations

Academic Freedom Violations in the Classroom

Censorship of Course and Library Books: AUC Case Study
Censorship of the Arts
Class Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations

Arbitrary Interference with Academic Research

Permit Process
Trial and Imprisonment: Saadeddin Ibrahim Case Study
Conclusion and Recommendations

Controls on Student Activities

Student Groups and Demands
Student Unions
Student Clubs, or Usar
Other Forms of Student Expression
Conclusion and Recommendations

Far-Reaching Limits on Campus Demonstrations

Violence on Campus: Alexandria University 2002
International Politics: Cairo University and AUC 2003
University Issues: `Ain Shams University 1999
Conclusion and Recommendations

Government Victimization of Islamist Academics

Harassment and Detention
Academic Side Effects
Conclusion and Recommendations

VI. Non-State Attacks on Academic Freedom: The Islamist Factor

Rise of Islamist Attacks
Classroom
Research
Student Activities and Campus Protests
Conclusion and Recommendations

VII. Self-Censorship

Classroom

Course Books
Class Discussion

Research
Student Activities and Campus Demonstrations
Conclusion and Recommendations

VIII. Institutional Restrictions and Proposed Reforms

Violations of University Autonomy: Professors and Promotions
Lack of Choice: Student Apathy and Frustration
Budgetary Burdens

Professors
Students
Facilities

Proposed Reforms

The Ministry of Higher Education’s “Strategic Plan”
UNDP Reports

IX. Conclusion

Appendix

Maps

Acknowledgments

June 2005   Vol. 17, No. 6(E)