Lobby for freedom

The idea that academic freedom is "enshrined in law" (Letters, December 24/31) is more apparent than real. Statutory provisions that make reference to academic freedom do not amount to much, nor do declarations by Unesco or the European University Association. Reliance on what is in effect a moribund provision of the Education Reform Act 1988, which related only to chartered universities, will not provide any guarantee of academic freedom. It is time to lobby for legislation that does enshrine academic freedom.

Tim Birtwistle
Leeds Metropolitan University