Free speech ‘champion’ for British universities draws praise and alarm

London, Feb. 16: The British government said on Tuesday it will appoint a free speech champion for universities to protect against attempts to silence academics and speakers with unpopular opinions.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said he was deeply worried about the chilling effect on campuses of unacceptable silencing and censoring.

That is why we must strengthen free speech in higher education, by bolstering the existing legal duties and ensuring strong, robust action is taken if these are breached, he said. The new champion will investigate allegations of infringement of free speech, such as the dismissal of academics or the no platforming of invited speakers.

The Conservative government also plans to give a regulator, the Office for Students, powers to fine universities that breach a requirement to support free speech.

Academics and others who are expelled, dismissed or demoted for their views will be able to seek compensation through the courts under the plans, which have not yet been turned into law.

In recent years, controversies over free speech on UK campuses have erupted over invitations to right-wing politicians and authors, and to speakers with contentious views on the rights of transgender people. Critics accuse the government of playing populist politics rather than supporting free speech.

Peter Tatchell, a veteran gay rights and human rights activist, said the government was interested in using hot-button culture issues as a way of driving a wedge and securing political advantage, and I fear that this is a cynical part of that strategy.

Opponents also accuse the government of putting pressure on education and heritage organisations not to highlight the negative aspects of Britain's history. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior ministers have opposed the removal of statues to historical figures associated with slavery and the British Empire.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has written to government-funded museums and historic sites to warn them against removing statues, saying they should not be taking actions motivated by activism or politics.

The University and College Union, which represents academics, accused the government of fighting phantom threats.