Academics’ fears over free speech

A new survey shows that one fifth of higher education staff do not feel free to teach controversial topics. Ellie Ng reports

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ONE in five academics on both sides of the political spectrum do not feel free to teach controversial topics, a survey has found as England’s higher education watchdog issued guidance on how institutions can protect freedom of speech.

‘The Office for Students (OfS) gave examples of how universities and colleges should respond to scenarios surrounding freedom of speech in its guidance published on Thursday, including around protests, investigating staff and student complaints and ensuring speakers are not stopped from expressing their ideas or opinions.

It comes as the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, passed under the previous Conservative government in 2023, imposes a duty on institutions to secure and promote freedom of speech so long as it is lawful - a duty which comes into force in August.

In its guidance, the OfS said: “Higher education providers and constituent institutions should have a high tolerance for all kinds of lawful speech.

“There should be a very strong presumption in favour of permitting lawful speech”

‘The guidance stated:

™@ Academic staff should not be constrained or pressured in their teaching to endorse or reject particular value judgements.