Vaileâs blacklisters hijacked the bedrock idea of a university Universities champion open inquiry and academic freedom. This fundamental idea is betrayed by special interest groups dictating the exclusion of viewpoints. Paul Jeans Save Share A university is by its very essence â universitas magistrorum et scholarium â a community of teachers and scholars, and is the bedrock for higher teaching and learning; for research; for the discovery and development of new ideas â all for the betterment of individuals and society. The recent media coverage and public debate concerning Mark Vaileâs appointment as Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, and the campaign in opposition to that appointment, raises several important issues such as the role of universities in todayâs society, freedom of speech, plurality in a diverse community and good governance.