Change to Chinese University’s Charter Dropping ‘Freedom of Thought’ Stirs Debate

Change to Chinese University’s Charter Dropping ‘Freedom of Thought’ Stirs Debate
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius speaks about climate change to students and faculty at Fudan University in Shanghai on May 17, 2014. Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images
Reuters
Updated:

SHANGHAI—Changes to the charter of one of China’s top universities including the dropping of the phrase “freedom of thought” and inclusion of a pledge to follow the Communist Party’s leadership have sparked heated debate and a rare act of student defiance.

The changes to the charter of Fudan University in Shanghai, considered one of China’s more liberal institutions, came to light on Dec. 17 when the education ministry said it had approved alterations for three universities.