The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 is in limbo since new Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson announced that she was suspending its implementation. The government appears to have been persuaded that the act is a “hate speech charter” and that there is no need for further legal protection for academic freedom and freedom of speech in universities. Would the act expose academics and students to unacceptable harassment? Is existing law sufficient to protect the intellectual life of universities? Is the act needed to plug the gaps? Akua Reindorf KC, Professor Jo Phoenix and others will debate whether the government should reverse course.
Speakers:
Akua Reindorf KC is Visiting Senior Fellow at LSE Law School and specialises in employment, discrimination and human rights law with particular expertise in the Higher Education sector.
Jo Phoenix is Professor of Criminology at Reading University. In a landmark case for academic freedom in universities, she successfully sued the Open University for constructive dismissal following the harassment she suffered there on account of her research.