‘Woke forums’ to report microaggressive lecturers could land universities in court

UNIVERSITIES could face legal action over “woke snitching portals” for racial microaggressions, amid plans to report academics for avoiding eye contact.

Russell Group universities have been told they risk infringing freedom of expression, after six set up websites for students to denounce their lecturers.

Durham University’s Report and Support site listed “not giving someone eye contact” and “constantly criticising and never praising” as potential offences, above an “anonymously report” button.

At St Andrews, Report and Support listed transgressions such as backhanded compliments, avoiding or turning one’s back on people and asking a black person if that is their natural hair.

The webpage noted: “Microaggressions are brief, everyday interactions that send denigrating messages to people, which are subtle and insidious, often leaving the victim confused, distressed and frustrated and the perpetrator oblivious of the offence caused.”

The Free Speech Union has written to universities warning the forums “will be open to challenge”. It also urged 19 universities to review their reporting tools for harassment, claiming some make a “systemic error” by ignoring legal duties to secure free expression and allowing anonymous reports. Toby Young, of the union, said: “Most universities have bought these off the shelf and stuck them on their websites, along with legally questionable guidance about what is a reportable offence, without considering their legal duty to uphold free speech.”

Prof Frank Furedi, at Kent University, said: “Even in totalitarian societies, ‘thought policing’ was more hands off. They were interested in what you said, rather than these so-called hidden biases that you have.” Russell Group said: “Our universities have always protected free speech and will continue to do so, while complying fully with laws.”