Free speech ‘stifled’ as universities cancel record number of speakers
Back to Topic
Click to Print
Useful Websites
Glossary Term Selection
‘Deeply worrying trend’ emerges as nearly 200 requests for events rejected in a year
By Louisa Clarence-Smith, Education Editor
Freedom of speech is at risk of being stifled on campuses after a record number of speakers and events were rejected last year, the universities watchdog has warned.
The Office for Students found that nearly 200 requests for events and speakers were rejected by English universities and colleges in 2020-21, up from 94 in the previous academic year.
Susan Lapworth, the watchdog’s interim chief executive, said she was concerned about the possibility that ‘lawful views are being stifled’.
She warned universities that they would face regulatory intervention if they failed to meet their obligations on freedom of speech.
Topics that ‘some may find offensive or controversial must be open to free debate’ on campuses and across research communities, she said.
‘Chilling effect of censorship on campuses’
The vice-chancellor of the University of Essex apologised last ye...
Want to see the rest of this article?
Would you like to see the rest of this article and all the other benefits that Issues Online can provide with?
- Useful related articles
- Video and multimedia references
- Statistical information and reference material
- Glossary of terms
- Key Facts and figures
- Related assignments
- Resource material and websites
