A university is by its very essence – universitas magistrorum et scholarium – a community of teachers and scholars, and is the bedrock for higher teaching and learning; for research; for the discovery and development of new ideas – all for the betterment of individuals and society.

The recent media coverage and public debate concerning Mark Vaile’s appointment as Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, and the campaign in opposition to that appointment, raises several important issues such as the role of universities in today’s society, freedom of speech, plurality in a diverse community and good governance.