The Freedom of Speech Act, besides known as the University Act, was adopted by the Tories Government with the intention of strengthening the protection of freedom of expression at universities. Under the fresh rules, universities were required to guarantee freedom of expression for both academic staff and invited guests. In the event of a breach of these rules, victims would be able to prosecute their claims and the lawbreaking institutions could be held liable. Although the bill was to enter into force on 1 August, it was postponed by the Labour Government under the leadership of Keira Starmer, which sparked a wave of controversy and outrage.
Scope and intent of the Act
The Freedom of Speech Act at universities was intended to defend the free exchange of thought and ideas in academic environments. In the face of an expanding number of cases where lecturers and academic guests became victims of censorship and harassment by student organisations, the fresh rules were to warrant them the right to express their views freely without fear of repercussions.
Under the law, if the university fails to guarantee adequate standards of freedom of speech, the victim could prosecute his claims in court. This would include both lecturers and invited guests whose speeches would be disrupted or blocked. Moreover, the bill provided for sanctions for student unions that would actively fight against freedom of speech within the university.
Controversy around postponement of the bill
The Labour government's decision to postpone the entry into force of the Act met with harsh criticism from academics and conservative politicians. The authoritative reason for specified a decision was the claim that the law could facilitate the activities of the anti-Semites and those denying the Holocaust. However, critics of this decision emphasize that organisations that powerfully attack Israel, which are frequently accused of anti-Semitism, usually do not encounter problems with university activity. Instead, scientists questioning sex ideology or dominant political narratives become victims of censorship.
Examples of teacher-hunting
One of the most celebrated cases of assault on lecturers was the case of Prof. Kathleen Stock from the University of Sussex. The philosopher became the mark of aggressive attacks and hatred campaigns after she publically stated that transsexuals should not have access to places where women dress. Her position met with a sharp reaction from student organizations, which yet forced her to leave college.
A akin destiny was met by Joanna Phoenix, a prof. of criminology besides from the University of Sussex. Phoenix criticized the influence of transsexual organizations on universities, claiming that biological sex could not be changed, and men identifying themselves as women should not go to female prisons. For her views, Phoenix was subjected to a media lynching, but yet won a suit against her university.
Effects of no fresh legislation
The rejection of the Freedom of Expression Act means that akin cases may be repeated, and lecturers with views incompatible with dominant political narratives will proceed to be exposed to censorship and repression. prof. Kathleen Stock and Joanna Phoenix are only the most celebrated victims of this phenomenon, but the number of scientists who become targets of the hunt is increasing.
The failure to implement the bill puts the future of freedom of speech at universities in question. In the face of increasing political and ideological polarisation, universities should be a place where diverse views can be freely expressed and discussed. The postponement of the law may, however, consequence in further restrictions on freedom of expression at universities, which will consequently negatively affect the quality of education and public debate in the UK.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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Censorship enters college! Britain withdraws the law guaranteeing freedom of speech at universities
