ERBIL DECLARATION

Council of the Ministry of Higher Education

(Which includes the universities and foundations presidents)

 

v      v      The goal of higher education in Iraq is to develop, promote and elevate scientific, educational and cultural standards. In addition, the goal is to promote a broader capacity for thinking, accepting the opinion of others and encouraging the search for truth.

 

v      v      Higher education institutions are independent in the managing of their academic affairs in relation to admission policies, teaching, research and other scientific endeavor.

 

v      v      The rights of teaching, learning, developing, writing, authoring, publishing, and traveling for scientific and academic purposes are guaranteed for all and may not be altered or undermined.

 

v      v      The university is a safe and peaceful place, and any activity which might undermine its safety is prohibited, especially the presence of weapons on campus.

 

v      v      It is prohibited to assault any member of the academic community under any circumstance. Anyone who commits such act will be subject to the highest university displenary actions including expulsion.

 

v      v      Iraqi higher institutions are scientific establishments operating in a unified society with multiple religions, sects, races and political ideologies. Therefore, any act by anyone that might threaten or undermine this unity by coercing others to join a religion, sect, race or political ideology, directly or indirectly, is prohibited and will subject the offenders to the highest university disciplinary actions including expulsion.

 

v      v      The freedom of thought, belief and clothing is guaranteed to all of the academic community as long as does not interfere with the learning process.

 

v      v      It is up to the Higher Education Board, which includes the universities and foundations presidents, to issue regulations to implement or modify this declaration.

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