Human rights Watch is the new addition to the line of critics who have been lashing out at the Yale University's decision to harbor anti-democracy sentiments of its Singaporean partner.
In a press release issued Thursday, Human Rights Watch blasted Yale University administration for "betraying the spirit of the university as a centre of open debate and protest by giving away the rights of its students."
This indictment comes as a consequence of the Yale's agreement with the National University of Singapore to enforce Singapore's restrictive laws regarding freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly on its new joint-venture with the University- the first new college to bear Yale's name in 300 years.
The venture has come under sharp criticism from Yale professors and rights advocates who say the school's mission as a haven for free thought and expression is not in par with the Singapore's tightly controlled political system, which includes restrictions on public assembly, limitations on free speech, and laws that criminalize homosexuality, reports Wall Street Journal.
But, the new president of Yale-NUS College, Pericles Lewis has reportedly defended the decision by saying the students at the new school "are going to be totally free to express their views," but won't be allowed to organize any kind of political rallies and protests on campus.
Although groups will be allowed to discuss political issues, he said, "we won't have partisan politics or be forming political parties on campus," including societies linked to local political groups akin to college groups supporting Democrats and Republicans, he said. Naturally, Students and Faculty at Yale are less than reassured as they won't be allowed to form any sister organizations of the 22 registered student political organizations in the Yale-NSU campus at Singapore.
The student newspapers have been vocal in expressing their displeasure by mocking at the administration's decision to curtail freedom of Speech. The Professors at the Universities have warned that the leaders of the University that their decision will negatively affect faculty hiring and research programs.
The college, which is wholly funded by the Singapore government and private donors, expects to admit its first batch of students in August 2013.