NUS Accused of Disinviting Academic Due to Spouse’s Controversial Stance

An academic from the Philippines has accused the National University of Singapore (NUS) of disinviting her from speaking at a conference due to her ties with her husband, a historian who has clashed with the Singaporean government. Dr Sol Iglesias, an associate professor of political science at the University of the Philippines Diliman, claimed that she had been invited in August to speak at an event scheduled for January, but was informed on November 2 that she did not make the final line-up of speakers. NUS responded to the accusations, stating that the details of the event were still evolving and that Dr Iglesias did not make the final panel of speakers. The university did not provide answers to questions about the disinvitation or the involvement of Dr Iglesias’ husband. The academic community has expressed support for Dr Iglesias, with the All U.P Academic Employees Union posting on Facebook to express its disapproval of NUS’ conduct and urging other conference participants to reconsider their involvement.