Cambridge University creates its personal free speech guidelines
Cambridge University has issued rules on protecting freedom of speech after the Government shelved a new law aimed at tackling ‘cancel culture’.
The prestigious university said it was introducing its new code of practice ‘despite’ the Government’s decision to halt legislation put in place by the previous Conservative government.
Cambridge said it was ‘fully committed to the principle and to the promotion of freedom of speech’ for its staff and students.
It said the code ‘applies with effect from 1 August 2024 despite UK Government plans to stop further commencement of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023’.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced last month that she would halt the introduction of the legislation while the Government considered its future.
Student protesters at Cambridge University in May. The prestigious university said it was introducing its new code of practice ‘despite’ the Government’s decision to halt legislation put in place by the previous Conservative government
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (pictured) announced last month that she would halt the introduction of the legislation
Labour has claimed the law is ‘not fit for purpose’ and argues that Jewish students will potentially be left at risk.
Under the legislation, universities, colleges and student unions in England would have a legal duty to promote free speech and academic freedom.
Critics say the Government’s decision to halt the law, just days before it was due to come into effect, means academics and guest speakers will continue to be vulnerable to so-called ‘cancel culture’ on campuses.
Universities UK, which represents more than 140 British universities, said the legislation would have ‘strengthened’ the current law, which requires institutions to protect free speech and academic freedom, but not to actively promote them. The new law would also have meant more robust protections for visiting speakers.
Cambridge’s new code of conduct will mean visiting speakers are allowed to express ‘controversial or unpopular views’ within the law and that ‘protest must not shut down debate’.
The university said it would consider covering security costs for any controversial speakers. It insisted events would still need to be within the law, and that Cambridge would not provide a platform for hate speech.
It follows concerns that visiting speakers at several universities around the country have been ‘no-platformed’ for controversial views, including on transgender issues.
Last year, hundreds of people gathered outside the Oxford Union to protest against a talk by the gender-critical academic, Kathleen Stock.
The Government has faced criticism over its decision to drop a law designed to protect freedom of speech on campuses. Pictured: A trans protest at the Oxford Union where Kathleen Stock was speaking
Oxford University students hold a banner reading ‘trans women are real women’ at a trans protest against Britain’s feminist, philosopher and writer Kathleen Stock
The philosophy professor resigned from Sussex University in 2021 after what she described as a witch-hunt over her views Other universities have also committed to strengthen free speech protections while the Government reviews the Act, a flagship policy of the previous Conservative government, which said it would allow speakers to express views as long as they did not cross a threshold into hate speech or incitement of violence.
Almost 450 academics have now signed a letter calling on Ms Phillipson to reinstate the free speech legislation, which they described as ‘vitally important’.
When she announced the Act was to be shelved, the Education Secretary said it could ‘expose students to harm and appalling hate speech on campuses’.
She also said the legislation would be ‘burdensome on providers and on the Office for Students’.
