Should universities restrict civil disobedience and student activism?
On 18 November 2016, the Just World Institute, with the support of Edinburgh University’s Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability, organised an Ethics Forum with the title ‘Should universities restrict civil disobedience and … Continue reading
21 Oct 2016: Should universities revisit their colonial legacies?
When: Fri, 21 Oct 2016 Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm Where: Seminar Rooms 1 and 2, Chrystal Macmillan Building, University of Edinburgh Please register here for free tickets. Over the past few years, the relationship between universities … Continue reading
Has the University eliminated racism?
Higher education institutions have notoriously failed to achieve ethic minority representation, particularly at the most senior levels. Black and minority ethnic academics in the UK are significantly more likely than … Continue reading
Impact and engagement: Should academics be activists?
Academics have a wealth of knowledge and expertise on contemporary social issues, and association with an academic institution confers reputational benefit. However, is it appropriate for academics to take politicised … Continue reading
Funding, fees and fairness: How should universities be funded?
Are tuition fees the fairest way to fund universities? With research funding for Scottish universities cut by millions earlier this year, where should universities get their money from? If public … Continue reading
Should a university’s investments affect research or teaching?
Universities have a unique position as centres for the pursuit of knowledge. This means that while they accept funds in the form of gifts from private sector donors, concerns about academic freedom crop up … Continue reading
Does the Pope speak for us all on ecology and social justice?
Pope Francis’s recent publication focuses environment and sustainable development issues that the United Nations is set to tackle with the Sustainable Development Goals. Should we think of the Pope’s message … Continue reading
Should Edinburgh University worry about contributing to brain drain?
The phenomenon of skilled workers migrating from developing to developed countries is seen by many as a cause for concern, with developing countries footing the bill for training while developed … Continue reading
What should the University do about conflict minerals?
The University is currently reviewing its policy on the use of minerals from conflict zones in its supply chains. Minerals such as tin, gold, and tungsten are extracted in conflict … Continue reading
Does social responsibility mean limiting academic freedom?
What are the demands that a commitment to social responsibility implies for educational institutions, and how might these demands conflict with widely supported principles of academic freedom? Are there some … Continue reading
Should Edinburgh University employ prisoners?
The University is committed to social responsibility but how does it demonstrate this commitment in the wider community? Should the University play a role in Scottish rehabilitation initiatives by incorporating … Continue reading
Reducing inequality: Has the University eradicated sexism?
Higher education institutions have notoriously trailed behind other sectors in measures of gender equality, but the gap is thought to be improving. Has the University done enough? If not, how … Continue reading
Should Edinburgh University divest from fossil fuels?
Divestment would send a powerful message from one of the world’s top universities and the UK’s third richest. But is it the University’s place, as a public institution, to send … Continue reading
Ethics Forum 