LONDON (AP) – The British government said on Tuesday it would appoint a “champion of freedom of expression” for universities to protect against attempts to silence academics and speakers of unpopular views.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said he was “deeply concerned about the terrible effect of campuses, unacceptable silence and censorship”.
“Therefore, we must strengthen free expression in higher education, strengthening existing legal duties and ensuring strong and robust action, if violated,” he said.
The new champion will investigate allegations of violations of freedom of expression, such as the dismissal of academics or “platformless” guest speakers. The Conservative government also intends to give a regulatory body, the Office for Students, the power to amend universities that violate a requirement to support free speech.
Academics and others who are expelled, dismissed or demoted for their opinions will be able to seek compensation through the courts according to plans, which have not yet been turned into law.
In recent years, controversy has arisen over freedom of expression on UK campuses in connection with invitations to right-wing politicians and authors and speakers with controversial views on the rights of transgender people.
Critics accuse the government of pursuing populist politics rather than supporting free speech.
Peter Tatchell, a veteran gay and human rights activist, said the government is “interested in using the issues of hot-button culture as a way to lead a breakdown and gain political advantage, and I’m afraid this is a cynical part.” of this strategy. ”
Opponents also accuse the government of putting pressure on education and heritage organizations not to highlight the negative aspects of Britain’s history. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other ministers opposed the removal of statues of historical figures associated with slavery and the British Empire.
Secretary of Culture Oliver Dowden has written to government-funded museums and historic sites to warn them against removing the statues, saying “they should not take action motivated by activism or politics.”
Union and College Union, which represents academics, accused the government of “fighting ghost threats.”
In reality, the greatest threats to academic freedom and freedom of expression do not come from staff and students, or from the so-called ‘culture overhaul’, but from ministers’ own attempts to control what is possible. the failure to address endemic job insecurity and managerial approaches cannot be said on campus, which means that academics are less able to tell the truth to power, ”said Secretary General Jo Grady.