News — The American Sociological Association has led a coalition of leading sociological organizations to issue an open letter defending the vital role of sociology in universities and society while condemning recent federal actions that threaten academic inquiry and free speech. Signed by the presidents of ten major sociological associations, the letter calls on university leaders, policymakers, and the public to resist efforts that undermine the discipline and stifle research that benefits society.
The signatories express their growing concerns over abruptly canceled federal contracts, looming job losses for sociologists in academia and the public sector, and a climate of fear preventing scholars from exercising their constitutionally protected rights. They warn that these threats harm individual researchers, diminish public knowledge, and weaken the institutions that fuel economic, social, and technological progress.
“Sociology strengthens universities, the private sector, and public institutions,” the letter states. “Through empirical research, sociologists provide critical insights into pressing social issues—from the effects of immigration on crime rates to the benefits of family-friendly workplace policies. The suppression of this knowledge is a disservice to society.”
The letter firmly opposes federal policies restricting academic freedom and research, emphasizing that universities serve as hubs of knowledge discovery, training the next generation of social scientists whose expertise informs sectors such as technology, healthcare, and government. The authors urge university leaders to oppose efforts to restrict sociological education and research, affirming that “dismantling academia doesn’t just hurt academics; it deprives everyone of trained specialists who contribute to critical industries.”
Considering these challenges, the coalition calls on universities to actively support sociology departments, faculty, and students. “Now more than ever,” the letter concludes, “leaders in higher education, private industry, and the public sector must stand up for academia and affirm that sociology plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and fostering a better society.”
Read the full letter here: https://www.asanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Open-Letter-in-Support-of-Academia.pdf
About the American Sociological Association 
The American Sociological Association, founded in 1905, is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to serving sociologists in their work, advancing sociology as a science and profession, and promoting the contributions to and use of sociology by society.
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