'We will not tolerate the silencing of academics or students who voice legitimate views'

AFTER NEW PROTECTIONS CAME INTO FORCE, UNIVERSITIES ARE WARNED THEY MAY FACE FINES IF THEY FAIL TO UPHOLD FREE SPEECH

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UNIVERSITIES have been put "on notice" that they could face penalties if they fail to uphold free speech, the education minister said as new protections for academic freedom came into force.

Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith has said the Government will "not tolerate the silencing of academics or students who voice legitimate views".

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, which came into force on Friday, requires universities and colleges in England to promote academic freedom to ensure discussions can take place on campuses without fear of censorship of students, staff or speakers expressing lawful opinions.

It also bans universities from using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

The Office for Students (OfS) - England's higher education regulator - can investigate universities and colleges and impose fines if they have failed to protect free speech rights.

In March, the OfS issued a record penalty of £585,000 to the University of Sussex after a three-and-a-half year probe into the resignation of academic professor Kathleen Stock, right.