Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Arif Ahmed: Universities face threats to free speech and academic freedom

Prof Arif Ahmed was appointed as the Office for Students’ first director for freedom of speech and academic freedom

Arif Ahmed: Universities face threats to free speech and academic freedom

THE governments new free-speech champion, Prof Arif Ahmed, said that universities face urgent threats to free speech and academic freedom, reported The Times.

Ahmed, a professor of philosophy at the University of Cambridge, was recently appointed as the first director for freedom of speech and academic freedom at the Office for Students (OfS).


Ahmed has been professor of Philosophy since 2022 and a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College since 2015.

He will have responsibility for investigating breaches of the Freedom of Speech Act.

Ahmed promised to utilise his new position to advocate for all views, adding that his objective is not to engage in any cultural conflict or endorse the government's views.

The role was announced by the Department for Education (DfE) in 2021 as part of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) bill.

The bill, which became law on May 11, also includes a new complaints scheme which could result in sanctions for universities that do not uphold freedom of speech within the law.

According to Ahmed, failures could involve actions like no-platforming external speakers, implementing 'ideological' bias training for staff and students, and disciplining lecturers based on their social media activity.

The bill proposed by the Department for Education (DfE) may also impact universities that utilise non-disclosure agreements against individuals who report instances of bullying or abuse.

The specific details of the complaints scheme are still being finalised, and the government is in the process of developing regulations to implement the bill. Once enacted, the Office for Students (OfS), an independent regulator of higher education in England, is expected to oversee the administration of the bill. Ahmed will join the board of the OfS as a member.

Susan Lapworth, the chief executive of OfS, said that the preservation of freedom of speech and academic freedom is crucial for the foundation of higher education in England. The appointment of Arif will ensure that these principles are vigorously protected, she added.

Claire Coutinho, the children’s, families and wellbeing minister, told The Times, "Ensuring fear does not undermine the rights of students and academics to debate controversial ideas and securing the right to an open exchange of ideas in universities.”

Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, which advocates for freedom of expression, has welcomed Ahmed's appointment.

“I’m particularly pleased the new free speech tsar is, broadly speaking, a man of the left. Woke activists on campus need to realise it’s in their interests to defend free speech, not just male, pale and stale conservatives," Young said.

According to Dr. Jo Grady, general secretary of the Universities and Colleges Union, which represents lecturers and staff, the primary concern for academic freedom arises from the growing reliance on casual staff who may not have the liberty to pursue research.

“There are serious threats to freedom of speech and academic freedom on campus, but they come from widespread precarious employment practices which strip academics of the ability to speak and research freely. It’s clear to anyone paying attention to this government . . . it has no interest in protecting civil liberties," she was quoted as saying by The Times.

A spokeswoman for Universities UK said the sector would welcome Ahmed’s appointment as universities take their responsibility to protect and promote both free speech and academic freedom seriously.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less