In a tribune published in Le Monde, jurist Camille Fernandes argues that academic freedom is a common good essential to democracy and society. She discusses the merits and challenges of enshrining this principle in the Constitution, drawing on a recent report by Stéphanie Balme. This concept extends beyond university walls to permeate public debate.
Camille Fernandes, a lecturer in public law, publishes a tribune in Le Monde on October 26, 2025, titled 'Academic freedom is a common good in service of democracy and society as a whole.' She responds to a recently published report by Stéphanie Balme, researcher and director of the Centre de recherches internationales, which highlights the need to 'foster, within society, the emergence of a shared, living, and demanding culture of academic freedom.'
This proposal is one of ten, out of sixty-five, selected by France universités, which expresses its desire to 'promote a culture of academic freedom in society.' Fernandes stresses that academic freedom is neither a privilege nor a corporate concern, but a common good essential for scientific progress and quality higher education. For France to maintain its status as a scientific power, it must prioritize its defense, as this principle is fundamental to preserving citizens' rights and freedoms.
The jurist clarifies that this freedom is not confined to universities but radiates 'everywhere public debate takes place: in the written press, on television sets, or even on social networks.' It enables academics to express themselves freely outside institutional walls in their fields of expertise, with academic rigor, helping citizens form opinions away from fake news.
Under the heading 'The two sides of the same coin,' Fernandes argues that defending this freedom involves explaining its reasons and purposes to build a shared culture. Popularization before any constitutional enshrinement could curb illiberal governments. While desirable if properly worded, inclusion in the Constitution would not be a miracle cure.