Joint Statement by SRA and ISSBDApril 3, 2025As leading organizations in developmental science, we—the Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA) and the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD—jointly express our deep concern over the detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish developmental doctoral student at Tufts University, by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This statement represents the unified voice of developmental scholars worldwide, who are dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and applying it to benefit all societies. International collaboration is fundamental to the advancement of developmental science, fostering diverse perspectives, innovative discoveries, and solutions to global challenges.[1] Actions that undermine academic freedom and the mobility of scholars threaten not only individual rights but also the very foundation of scientific progress. Reports suggest that Ms. Öztürk’s visa was revoked without due process, possibly in retaliation for her academic work and public statements, raising serious concerns about violations of academic freedom and free speech rights.[2] Academic freedom is a cornerstone of higher education and global scholarship. International scholars, such as Ms. Öztürk, make vital contributions to research, education, and innovation in the United States and beyond.[3] They enrich intellectual discourse, advance scientific discovery, and strengthen global collaboration. Targeting scholars based on their research or viewpoints endangers this vibrant exchange of knowledge and weakens the United States' role as a leader in higher education. The U.S. must remain a place where scholars can freely engage in intellectual discourse without fear of political retribution. We urge the academic community and policymakers to defend these principles and stand with Ms. Öztürk. This collaborative statement underscores the necessity of global academic partnerships in generating knowledge that benefits all societies. When scholars are silenced, we all suffer the consequences. Society for Research on Adolescence and International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development Citations [1] Lerner, R. M., Fisher, C. B., & Weinberg, R. A. (2000). Applying developmental science in the 21st century: International scholarship for our times. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 24(1), 24-29. https://doi.org/10.1080/016502500383430 [2] Russell, J., Timur, S., Hartocollis, A., & Medina, E. (2025, March 26). ICE detains Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/us/ice-tufts-student-detained-rumeysa-ozturk.html [3] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (n.d.). International collaboration in science. OECD. https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/international-collaboration-in-science.html |