Minister: university censorship research ‘being censored’

Research into censorship in universities “is itself being censored”, according to the education minister who steered through the freedom of speech act – and who believes the legislation is already affecting campuses.

Claire Coutinho, minister for children, families and well-being, gave a speech at the Policy Exchange thinktank after the free speech bill gained Royal Assent in May.

She began by talking about the importance of free speech in the development of scientific theories that were often intensely contested in their time.

“We now give thanks to the Galileos, the Darwins…the Newtons for pushing forward the frontiers of our knowledge,” she said. “Our understanding of astronomy, natural history, mathematics or biology wouldn’t be the same if those visionaries didn’t believe in freedom of speech and the pursuit of truth.

“And yet today we see free speech under threat in the very places where the most controversial debates should be taking place – on campus.”

The minister added: “If you’re Tony Sewell you’ll have your honorary degree rescinded because the university doesn’t like the conclusion of a report you wrote for government.

“If you’re Kathleen Stock you’ll be hounded out of your job by a toxic, organised campaign to get you fired.

“And we’ve even heard examples of research projects on the culture of censorship in universities being censored because they are deemed too dangerous. In other words, we may be at the stage where research into censorship is itself being censored.”

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 brings the appointment of a free speech and academic freedom champion to the board of the Office for Students – with Cambridge philosophy professor Arif Ahmed being named to the post – the strengthening of existing free speech duties on universities and the extension of them to students’ unions, and enables individuals to sue institutions for alleged breaches of free speech duties.

Ms Coutinho said the bill was already having an impact: “I’ve spoken to vice-chancellors who are making plans to embed a culture of free speech at the beginning of a student’s journey.

“The provost of University College London, Michael Spence, took the right approach when he made clear that a university is not a participant in the public debate, but a forum in which that debate takes place.

“We’ve already seen an emboldened approach by university leaders who are fighting back where cancel culture raises its head. I’m delighted that Kathleen Stock, despite the best efforts of some, did in fact speak to curious and respectful students at Oxford University recently, backed by strong action from their vice-chancellor.

“I’m also pleased that students who disagreed were allowed to protest outside. Both are important.”

She praised university leaders for having reacted “positively and openly” to the bill.

Asked by Harry Anderson, Universities UK policy manager, whether the director of free speech would be “guide dog” or “watchdog”, Ms Coutinho said: “It will be a little bit of both.”

Professor Ahmed officially starts work in August, said the minister, and “after that...he will work at the OfS to draw up guidance and set up the complaints process…I know he’s very keen to engage with universities about what the new policies will mean and make sure they feel well equipped to take them on. But then he also will have powers to investigate when he thinks people have crossed the line.”

john.morgan@timeshighereducation.com