UCLan bosses back 'freedom of speech' measures

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced a series of proposals to strengthen academic freedom at universities in England, including the appointment of a “free speech champion” who will investigate potential infringements, such as no-platforming speakers or dismissal of academics.

A new free speech condition would be placed on universities for them to be registered in England and access public funding, and the Office for Students regulator would have the power to impose fines on institutions if they breached the condition.

A spokesman for Preston's University of Central Lancashire said: “We believe that lawful and open debate is the right way for our students to challenge views with which they disagree.

“We have in place clear procedures and policies to ensure that free speech, debate and academic freedom are upheld, and that events promoting the free and open exchange of ideas can take place.

“We await further details on the Government’s new proposals, including the role of the free speech champion, before we can comment further about any potential implications for the University.”

In 2019 a UCLan student at the centre of a freedom of expression row refused to take part in diversity training which would allow him back to lectures.

The student was temporarily suspended from Preston’s University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) after he made “offensive and inappropriate” comments about halal meat and the ‘Islamification of the UK’.

UCLAN said at the time the student was aware that on the successful completion of a diversity training course, he will be able to resume his studies.

The strengthened legal duties outlined by Mr Williamson would also extend to student unions, which would have to take steps to ensure lawful free speech is secured for members and visiting speakers.

Individuals would be able to seek compensation through the courts if they suffered loss from a breach of the free speech duties – such as being expelled, dismissed or demoted – under a new legal measure.

Mr Williamson said: “Free speech underpins our democratic society and our universities have a long and proud history of being places where students and academics can express themselves freely, challenge views and cultivate an open mind.

“But I am deeply worried about the chilling effect on campuses of unacceptable silencing and censoring. That is why we must strengthen free speech in higher education, by bolstering the existing legal duties and ensuring strong, robust action is taken if these are breached.”

Under the plans, universities would be legally required to actively promote free speech.

The Education Secretary would appoint a “free speech and academic freedom champion” to the OfS board and they would be able to recommend the watchdog imposes fines on universities.

The Department for Education said the next steps for legislation will be set out in due course.

University and College Union general secretary Jo Grady said: “It is extraordinary that in the midst of a global pandemic the Government appears more interested in fighting phantom threats to free speech than taking action to contain the real and present danger which the virus poses to staff and students."

Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, vice president for higher education at the National Union of Students, said: “Students’ unions are committed to freedom of expression and are the very home of rigorous debate and new ideas.

“There is no evidence of a freedom of expression crisis on campus, and students’ unions are constantly taking positive steps to help facilitate the thousands of events that take place each year.”

She added: “We recognise this announcement as an opportunity for us to prove once and for all that there is not an extensive problem with freedom of expression across higher education.”