UMASA shares the concerns raised about the Education Ministry’s new Directive imposing Limitations on teachers' freedom of speech. UMASA upholds academic freedom and the right to engage in critical debates or express one’s opinion without fear of negative repercussions. Silencing voices would suppress the very dialogue among stakeholders that makes it possible to find solutions moving forward. As a union, we are also concerned about the threatening implications of this for activism, as well as for union participation and representation, which should not be restricted. Educators serve the public good, rather than government interests. The space for discussion, the right to dissent, and the right to be socially and politically engaged should be recognised and protected as vital to their ability to perform their work, as well as to their rights as individuals.