Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1459407
4 Unity SUNDAY 13 MARCH 2022 Academics, with the proverbials... Dr Mary Grace Vella Criminology IN 1996, during the ceremonial mass commemorating the open- ing of the University scholastic year, Moviment Graffitti – of which at the time I was and still am an active member – unfurled a banner from atop the roof of the University administration build- ing. Dignitaries and members of the academic staff were hear- ing the rector's speech, as down came the banner that read – 'In- telletwali Bla Bajd' (Intellectu- als without balls). The banner was considered offensive by many. And beyond the crude wording, it struck a negative chord with many of those in attendance: it was the apathy and indifference of the intellectual class to voice itself for progressive social change. But at that age, driven by ide- alism, change seemed not on- ly easy and desirable, but also possible. Now with more ma- turity and jaded hindsight, one can better understand how the forces of change are hampered and thwarted by multiple vested interests, and how the mess of a world we live in, benefits some and not others. Some would argue that the role of academia and that of the activist are incommensurable – the role of academia being that of knowledge generation, that of activism of promoting social change. But can knowledge ever be an end in itself, a value-free objec- tive pursuit without any impact on the real world? And what is the scope of gen- erating knowledge, if not to cre- ate a better world for the benefit and wellbeing of all? That is, un- less one is happy with the status quo! In and of itself, pedagogy is a pivotal site of activism. It helps foster critical thinking and re- flection, position oneself, and mobilise action towards just causes. However, the significance of pedagogy goes beyond the lec- ture room and the transfer of academic knowledge to stu- dents, as if they are empty ves- sels waiting to be filled. By em- powering through knowledge, it becomes part of a wider process of transformative change. From a critical and liberation perspective, pedagogy does not take place in a vacuum but is itself imbued in ideological contestation. Its scope is that of producing knowledge for the promotion of economic, social and environmental jus- tice; a pursuit which necessari- ly entails challenging the status quo – a status quo which that is inherently unjust; elitist, rac- ist and xenophobic, sexist and misogynist. A neoliberal system which values profit over people, animals and the environment. A bi-partisanship system which favours cronyism and nepotism over meritocracy and the na- tional interest. A system which is unfortunately corrupted on both the national and global level – waging war in the name of peace. In these circumstances, the role of the academic becomes that of asking questions, reveal- ing and raising contentious and disturbing issues which might not be welcomed by those who benefit from the status quo. It ultimately demands taking a stand and striving for change! The production of knowledge through action research and contribution in policy debates may help inform progressive or regressive change. It may be used to challenge dominant po- litical and corporate discourses and interests, advocating on be- half of oppressed and disadvan- taged groups, or else utilised to safeguard and consolidate the interests of those in power. Yet, most academics still tend to bask in the 'objectivity' of science, shying away from po- sitioning themselves, and in the process – inadvertently or not – becoming another cog in the machine, a tool to further con- solidate the commodification of education and culture, the fuel- ling of populist discourse over evidence-based practice, and the justification of repressive and unsustainable political and corporate agendas. Academia often comes under attack for being naïve about the reality on the ground, and right- ly so. Academic activism bridg- es this gap, it provides relevance and applicability to knowledge – from the abstract to the tan- gible – from theory to practice. It forms part of the practical solutions to conveniently dis- regarded issues, pressing chal- lenges, unjust laws and unsus- tainable practices. Whether by acting within or outside, yet ultimately against the system, it challenges the status quo and attempts to offer a more viable alternative. And that's in my opinion the intrinsic value of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing! It acts as a collective of academic-activists who are engaged and commit- ted – through critical pedagogy, action research, policy formu- lation and grassroots activism and campaigning – in this call for transformative change. Karen Mamo Department of Psychology The introduction in 2021 of the partial decriminalisation of the personal consumption and cultivation of cannabis is a legislative develop- ment which has placed Malta closer to a human rights-based approach to drug policy. A similar approach has been for a long time promoted by various inter- national experts in public health and international human rights law, par- ticularly by the United Nation's Spe- cial Rapporteur on the right of every- one to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, who stated: "The crim- inalisation of drug consumption and possession for personal use has led to negative consequences for the health, security, and human rights of indi- viduals and communities worldwide, [lowering] their chances for employ- ment, education and other opportuni- ties for social inclusion." A focus on harm reduction, includ- ing the establishment of an authority to oversee the operations of not-for- profit associations for cannabis, are in themselves revolutionary policy options. For the very first time, policy recognises and includes people who use drugs as partners – not criminals or patients – and therefore as active agents empowered to take responsible decisions. Drug users, taking responsible deci- sions? No, this writer is not high. Nei- ther is this article an attempt at pro- moting a liberal framework built on "freedoms without responsibilities". Valid thoughts though they might be, they miss one crucial point: the unique bond between harm reduc- tion, education and positive behav- First up... A just cause for all the seasons. Dr Mary Grace Vella, second from left, with Moviment Graffitti and Kamp Emergenza Ambjent in a protest on shoreline access to the Manoel Island coast