Event overview
A panel discussion on the implications of the new proposed law for academic freedom, critical inquiry and university autonomy in the UK
Panel Speakers
Dr Arianne Shahvisi, Senior Lecturer in Ethics, BSMS
Jenny Sherrard, Head of Equality and Policy, University and College Union (UCU)
Dr Robert Simpson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, UCL
Chair: Dr Yesim Yaprak Yildiz, Department of Sociology, Goldsmiths, University of London
How does the right to free speech relate to academic freedom at universities? When and how do they complement or undermine each other? These questions have become topical again after the Education Secretary proposed new legal measures “to strengthen free speech and academic freedom at UK universities” in the face of an alleged increase in cases of silencing and censoring at universities. Academics and institutions including the UCU and the Russel Group of universities criticised the government for ‘fighting phantom threats to free speech’, creating ‘unnecessary and burdensome bureaucracy’ and for policing the universities. A parliamentary inquiry report into freedom of speech at universities in 2017-18 had previously challenged the claim that free speech is under threat at universities. Together with the panel, we will discuss the relationship between free speech and academic freedom and the implications of the proposed legal measures for academic freedom, critical inquiry and university autonomy.
The event is hosted by the Unit for Global Justice, Department of Sociology, Goldsmiths, University of London.
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Apr 2021 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm |
Accessibility
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