On September 15, 2026, Dr. Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, addressed members of the French Senate and the Paris Institute of Political Studies, known as Sciences Po, highlighting the urgent need for academic freedom in light of rising global challenges to democratic principles. This visit, which included discussions on U.S. academic integrity, aims to foster international collaboration in promoting scientific inquiry.
Advocating for Academic Freedom
Delawalla’s trip to Paris demonstrates a growing international awareness of academic freedom as a crucial issue shared by many democratic societies. During her meetings with French lawmakers, including members of the National Assembly, she discussed the implications of recent attacks on scientific inquiry in the United States and the need for cross-border partnerships to support educational systems.
Dr. Todd Wolfson, President of the American Association of University Professors, accompanied Delawalla, emphasizing the importance of a collective response to threats against higher education. Earlier this year, the French Senate established legislation to affirm academic freedom amid increasing pressures on educational institutions both in France and globally. The discussions reinforced the notion that threats to academic freedom in one country can reverberate throughout the international community.
During her keynote address at Sciences Po, Delawalla remarked on the interconnectedness of ideas across national boundaries, stating, “It’s easy for Americans to believe that what happens in the U.S. stays in the U.S., but the reality is that ideas—both good and harmful—hardly abide by manmade borders.” This statement reflects the organization’s intent to address the global nature of academic challenges.
To further its mission, Stand Up for Science has recently launched “America’s Compact For Higher Education,” a response to evolving pressures faced by U.S. universities to align with governmental mandates. The initiative aims to encourage institutions to prioritize academic freedom and scientific integrity, inviting public support and endorsement from academic leaders.
Stand Up for Science, founded in early 2025, is dedicated to advocating for science and democracy, mobilizing significant public engagement through events and initiatives that underscore the importance of protecting research and educational freedoms worldwide.
Why It Matters: The discussions surrounding academic freedom underscore its role as a foundational element of democracy and scientific integrity. Initiatives like “America’s Compact For Higher Education” reflect an ongoing commitment to advocating for these values, which are increasingly under threat in various political contexts. Such international collaborations could help encourage systemic resilience against threats to scholarly work and its broader implications for society.
