Dr. Xu Zhangun, well-known law professor at Tsinghua University was banned from his job for writing articles that were critical of the President. CCS has written the President of Tsinghua University requesting Xu’s reinstatement and emphasizing the importance for academic institutions to allow students and professors to explore many points of view in an academic environment.
Dr. Qiu Yong
President, Tsinghua University
1 Zhongguancun E Rd
Haidian Qu
Beijing Shi
People’s Republic of China
Email: qiuy@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn
Dear President Qiu:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We write to express our concern over the treatment of
Dr. Xu Zhangun, a well-known and widely respected law professor at Tsinghua University who has been banned from pursuing his academic work because of articles he wrote that were critical of the President of China. Freedom of expression, including the peaceful expression of political beliefs, is a fundamental right.
It is particularly important at academic institutions, and we urge you to restore Professor Xu to his former status and allow him to resume his teaching and research work unhindered.
As an emerging leader in the global academic and scientific world, it is critical that China respect human rights and academic freedom. As an organization of scientists and scholars committed to human rights and academic freedom, we are dismayed at this violation of those rights.
It is vital for leaders at prestigious schools like Tsinghua University to defend the rights and freedoms of its professors. Professor Xu must be restored to his rightful teaching and research responsibilities.
We thank you for your attention to this most serious matter, and we look forward to receiving your response.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
cc:
Ambassador Cui Tiankai,
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
3505 International Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202 495 2266 I Fax: 202 495 2138
Email: chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov.cn