Mick Hartley

A letter in the Times today from a number of leading academics:

Sir, As long-time advocates of academic freedom and freedom of speech in higher education, we support the clear and proportionate sanctions imposed by the Office for Students on the University of Sussex (“Universities review trans policies after big fine”, news, Apr 5) . The university’s serious failures to uphold the rights and liberties of its staff are deeply troubling, as are similar incidents elsewhere. Universities must not compel academics to adopt contested positions on matters of public or scholarly debate, nor prevent them from expressing lawful opinions in a personal capacity. Appeals to sensitivity cannot justify the restriction of legitimate academic discourse, and policies aimed at preventing bullying and unlawful harassment must be carefully framed to avoid doing so. We encourage universities with policies similar to Sussex’s to reconsider and withdraw them promptly. Censorship undermines the fundamental mission of higher education.

Amen to that.