Academic freedom should not be restricted to supposed core expertise

Concept image speach bubbles and person on laptop with a statue head on each end of a seesaw to illustrate The OfS’ guidance on free speech goes too far

The OfS’ free speech guidance for English universities goes too far

The regulator’s example scenarios fail to acknowledge the harm that even lawful speech can cause on campus, say Naomi Waltham-Smith and James Murray

By Naomi Waltham-Smith

11 April

A woman with a megaphone, symbolising free speech

OfS should hold firm on 30-day limit for resolving free-speech complaints

Extending England’s proposed threshold for legal recourse would encourage universities to adopt delaying tactics, says Abhishek Saha

By Abhishek Saha

2 April

Thirty days ‘not enough time’ to deal with free speech complaints

Short deadline for universities dealing with issues internally will ‘inundate’ regulator with partially investigated cases, sector fears

By Tom Williams

18 March

Ahmed ‘in listening mode’ as English free speech rules come in

New director promises political impartiality and a thorough consultation as English regulator gets ready to promote and protect expression on campus

By Ben Upton

9 October

Reader's comments (3)

#1 Submitted by steven.... on April 17, 2024 - 9:02am

Absolutely bang on!

#2 Submitted by stephen... on April 17, 2024 - 9:30am

A good deal of knowledge exists outside academia. The bureaucratisation of knowledge is an issue in itself, not just how it is managed.

#3 Submitted by devon_wybrow_essex_ac_uk on June 3, 2024 - 10:40am

None of this was an issue until a bunch of academics decided that transphobia was the avenue they wished to pursue. If they were to learn acceptance and compassion, then the problem goes away.

Academic freedom should not be restricted to supposed core expertise

The broad approach taken by the OfS’ guidance on free speech will safeguard orthodoxy-challenging work, say Abhishek Saha and Ian Pace

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The OfS’ free speech guidance for English universities goes too far

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Academic freedom should not be restricted to supposed core expertise

The broad approach taken by the OfS’ guidance on free speech will safeguard orthodoxy-challenging work, say Abhishek Saha and Ian Pace

Register to continue

Subscribe

Related articles

The OfS’ free speech guidance for English universities goes too far

OfS should hold firm on 30-day limit for resolving free-speech complaints

Thirty days ‘not enough time’ to deal with free speech complaints

Ahmed ‘in listening mode’ as English free speech rules come in

Reader's comments (3)

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