Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill (original) (raw)

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill is a proposed Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that would impose requirements for universities and students' unions to protect freedom of speech. The legislation would allow speakers to seek compensation for no-platforming through a new statutory tort, empower the Office for Students to levy fines on infringing institutions, and establish a new ombudsman or "free speech champion" charged with monitoring cases of no-platforming and academic dismissals. These measures are intended to protect academic staff, students, and visitors who advocate controversial viewpoints.