Universities ‘must still value radicalism’

Universities must remain places where “radical” is still a good word, a university leader has said.

Different views – including those that are seen as offensive – must be “debated and challenged” on UK campuses, according to Professor Janet Beer, the new president of vice-chancellors’ group Universities UK (UUK).

Her comments come amid an ongoing debate about free speech at universities.

In her address to UUK’s annual conference, being held at Brunel University, Prof Beer said: “As well as changing lives, universities broaden horizons, and in an age where it is increasingly difficult to sort fact from fiction – the real news from the fake – it is important that we give our students the skills to become rational and resilient citizens, flexible professionals, and positive contributors to civil society.

“It is therefore critical that universities remain as places where radical can still be a good word, and where different viewpoints – including those that are offensive or difficult – can be debated and challenged.”

Earlier this week, Oxford University chief Professor Louise Richardson – former St Andrews University principal – said that students do not have the right “not to be offended” and called for universities to defend free speech on campus.

Prof Louise Richardson of Oxford University says universities must defend free speech on campus.