US EditionUniversities ‘on notice’ after Kathleen Stock treatment, says minister
ENGLAND, JUL 31 – New laws ban non-disclosure agreements in harassment cases and empower the Office for Students to fine institutions failing to protect free speech, including a prior £585,000 penalty.
- A new law aimed at protecting free expression and academic freedom in universities and colleges across England took effect on August 1, 2025, introducing fresh responsibilities for these institutions.
- These responsibilities come amid government concerns over campus censorship and follow a record £585,000 penalty imposed in March on Sussex University following an investigation into free speech violations.
- The Act empowers the Office for Students to investigate noncompliance and includes measures banning non-disclosure agreements for campus misconduct while ensuring student unions face new accountability rules.
- Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith emphasized that academic freedom is essential and non-negotiable, while Professor Arif Ahmed warned that universities may face increased financial penalties if they do not adequately safeguard free speech rights.
- The legislation aims to restore university integrity and foster open inquiry but draws debate over balancing free speech with protection of vulnerable groups on campus.
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17 Articles
Universities required to protect free speech by law as 'robust' new rules finally come into force
Robust new laws have come into place to protect free speech at English universities. Under the new rules, which will shield students, academics and external speakers, universities must "actively promote academic freedom".Universities will also be forbidden from using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of campus misconduct in the aims of protecting vulnerable individuals who have experienced harassment, abuse or sexual assault.If a case…
China-backed centres at UK universities under threat from new free speech laws - The Guardian
China-backed centres at UK universities under threat from new free speech laws The Guardian Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source The post China-backed centres at UK universities under threat from new free speech laws – The Guardian appeared first on RocketNews.
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