Freedom of Speech in Universities (original) (raw)

2023 addition: This book explores tensions regarding freedom of speech and extremism in the UK university sector. Among its contributions are an analysis of major philosophical ideas regarding freedom of speech; a critique of populist binaries which frame debate about universities; a review of empirical research regarding student and staff views about freedom of speech; and a sensitive discussion of our ethical responsibilities in using language. Since the publication of this book in 2021, three major escalations have taken place of the phenomena we identified in the UK higher education sector. Firstly, there has been an increase in political and media commentary about the supposed chilling of speech on campus. This escalation is illustrated in the media by a few striking and disturbing examples of adversarial use of language on campus. A prominent example is the case of Kathleen Stock, former Professor of Philosophy at the University of Sussex, who resigned from her post in October 2021 following student protests regarding her views on gender identity. Secondly, these commentaries have been amplified and strengthened by the use of emotive, ambiguous vocabulary such as ‘culture wars’ and ‘woke’ (Scott-Baumann, 2023). Such terms are used to ridicule attempts to increase the range of voices on campus through, for example, decolonising historical narratives or providing guidance on how to reduce discrimination. This language increasingly frames, and constrains, the ongoing public debate about the role of universities in this and other liberal democracies. Thirdly, these phenomena have culminated in long promised legislation, the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, which imposes penalties on universities and students’ unions which are deemed to be failing in their duty to uphold freedom of speech. The impact of this legislation is yet to be seen. It is likely to create many difficulties for the Office for Students and universities, as the legally enforceable stipulations about freedom of speech on campus will conflict with universities’ existing duties to limit free speech and protest (one such duty is the counter terror policy known as Prevent). A constant feature in this free speech debate, both before and after 2021, is the lack of practical suggestions for how to discuss complex topics. Many of us in society experience difficulties in speaking with reasonable honesty, because of the polarised nature of much talk that takes place both off and online. In this book we give clear advice about how to identify and neutralise such polarities, through the model of a ‘community of inquiry.’ Scott-Baumann follows this in her 2023 book with explanations of how to use democratic group processes within and beyond the classroom and in Westminster, for finding one’s voice. We hope our work offers a positive way forward, for universities and wider society, rather than the dominant simplistic debate about whether there should be more or less free speech. Alison Scott-Baumann and Simon Perfect October 2023 Freedom of speech and extremism in university campuses are a major source of debate and moral panic in the UK today. In 2018, the Joint Committee on Human Rights in Parliament undertook an inquiry into freedom of speech on campus. It found that much of the public concern is exaggerated, but identified a number of factors that require attention, including the impact of government counter-extremism measures (the Prevent Duty) and regulatory bodies (including the Charity Commission for England and Wales) on freedom of speech. This book combines empirical research and philosophical analysis to explore these issues, with particular focus on the impact upon Muslim students and staff. It offers a new conceptual paradigm for thinking about freedom of speech, based on deliberative democracy, and practical suggestions for universities in handling it. Topics covered include: The enduring legacy of key thinkers who have shaped the debate about freedom of speech, the role of right-wing populism in driving moral panic about universities, the impact of the Prevent Duty and the Charity Commission upon Muslim students, students' unions and university managers Students' and staff views about freedom of speech, alternative approaches to handling freedom of speech on campus, including the community of inquiry This highly engaging and topical text will be of interest to those working within public policy, religion and education or religion and politics and Islamic Studie