The Freedom of Speech Bill is a huge step towards saving the soul of university education
The Government is right to champion free expression at a time when everyday censorship on campus is rife
12 May 2021 • 3:00pm
The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, announced in the Queen’s Speech yesterday, is a long overdue piece of legislation, and the Government deserves credit for seeing it through. At stake is a question of values: is freedom of expression or protection from subjectively-defined psychological harm a higher value in our society?
If we elevate empathy for the feelings of the most sensitive member of historically marginalized race, gender and sexual-identity groups – as interpreted by radical activists – over our right to speak, we will have turned our backs on a centuries-old principle which anchors English tradition and the Enlightenment.
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The Government s policy paper on higher education: free speech and academic freedom
Index on Censorship responds to seven specific policy proposals, including the appointment of a Free Speech and Academic Freedom Champion
17 Feb 2021
Photo: Photo Mix
Index on Censorship was founded by writers and scholars, nearly half a century ago, in order to provide a bulwark against censorship. One of our founders, Stephen Spender, stated on our launch that: “The writers and scholars whom one relies on to support (Index) would obviously include those at universities. For the universities represent the developing international consciousness which depends so much on the free interchange of people, and of ideas.”
Govt announces tough new measures on uni free speech
Govt announces tough new measures on uni free speech
17 Feb 2021 Buro Millennial
The Government has announced a range of tough new measures to ensure that free speech is not restricted at universities.
After an increasing number of students, staff and academics have been silenced or no-platformed, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson warned of a “chilling effect”, leaving people feeling they cannot freely express themselves.
Places of higher education will now be subject to a new free speech condition in order to be registered in England and access public funding. If universities and colleges break this condition, the Office for Students (OfS) will have the power to impose sanctions upon them, including financial penalties.