WU is one of over 800 universities that have signed the Magna Charta Universitatum. In this document, the signatory universities commit themselves to the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Academic freedom, in particular, is the foundation for the independent search for truth and knowledge, and it serves as a barrier against undue intervention by government and interest groups. Independent reflection and the possibility of expressing critical views are important elements of this academic freedom.

The developments in the wake of the recent Turkish coup attempt have given rise to growing concerns, and the Magna Charta Observatory and Universities Austria (uniko) have strongly condemned government intervention in the affairs of Turkish universities. WU shares these concerns and the position of these institutions in condemning the current treatment of universities in Turkey.