A quick thread about free speech in Universities, in the wake of the Govt's latest moves (which are here: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…) 1/10
I think it might be helpful to think about 3 levels - individual, institutional, and Govt - and how the relationships between them can best be managed and navigated. 2/
First, individuals. Lecturers, students, speakers etc. Those in favour of free speech should be in favour of giving them the space in which to speak freely. Of course, there will be limits as rights (inevitably) conflict. 3/
Second, institutions. Within Universities, this would be unit teams, and School, faculty, and Uni level organisations, rules, principles etc; and student union bodies at various levels. 4/
(Similar could be said re schools, Govt depts, the civil service, the BBC etc).
(Similar could be said re schools, Govt depts, the civil service, the BBC etc).
These institutions try to impose coherence, and can also set policies and rules. They tend to be very reluctant to limit academic freedom. They don't always capture the views of some individuals (staff and students). 5/
Third, the Govt. It too has a stake in University policy. It is (it says) keen to respect 'institutional autonomy', but it also (it says) has concerns about the way in which institutions are managing the free speech issue. 6/
Its claim is that it is acting so as to protect individuals' interests in free speech from institutions, and is calling for a Free Speech Champion (based in the Office for Students) to sanction institutions who do not protect free speech. 7/
It is difficult to see how this approach is going to work.
Free speech poses difficult problems for individuals and institutions. 8/
Free speech poses difficult problems for individuals and institutions. 8/
In general (yes, very liberal) terms, restrictions on individual freedom should require careful justification.
Decisions about the necessary compromises and choices should, as far as possible, be taken by those closest to the issues, within Schools and institutions. 9/
Decisions about the necessary compromises and choices should, as far as possible, be taken by those closest to the issues, within Schools and institutions. 9/
Govt intervention - in particular when framed in 'culture war' terms - is only likely to increase tensions. 10/10
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