University taking legal action over free speech fine

The University of Sussex is taking legal action to overturn the record fine levied by England's higher education regulator, with Sussex accusing the regulator of seeking to "persecute" it rather than solve problems.

- Richard Adams

This week the Office for Students said it would fine Sussex £585,000 for two breaches of its regulations related to freedom of speech and governance.

This was after a three-and-a-half-year investigation into the resignation of Prof Kathleen Stock, the target of protests at Sussex over her views on gender identification and transgender rights.

Sasha Roseneil, who joined Sussex as vice-chancellor a year after the investigation began, said she was initially shocked by the OfS's judgment but is confident that the courts will find in Sussex's favour.

"I think our position is extremely strong, and I think they will lose a judicial review," Roseneil said.

Sussex intends to challenge the size of the fine - 15 times larger than any previous penalty levied by the OfS - through a tribunal, and also seek a judicial review of the OfS's judgment.

Roseneil revealed to the Guardian that Sussex had substantially overturned sections of the OfS's interim judgment, delivered last year, which would have fined the university £1m for a string of additional allegations.