The Education Secretary is set to threaten universities with fines or even deregistration if they ‘stifle’ freedom of speech. Gavin Williamson will outline his ‘free speech campaign’ in an effort to strengthen laws that protect free expression. He will appoint a new ‘free speech champion’ that has the power to fine universities or student unions if they are found to be restricting speech unlawfully. This role will also be able to look at university staff who have been demoted or dismissed because of their views and possibly reverse the decision, amid concerns around ‘cancel culture’. But there has been a furious backlash to the proposals. Those doing the backlash need to explain themselves.
Free Speech Part 9
