In the second in our series of long reads from academics discussing freedom of speech and academic freedom, Naomi Waltham-Smith from the University of Oxford calls on UK higher education to unite in support of academic freedom for the sake of the future of higher education.
She says: 'Academic freedom and freedom of expression are fellow travellers whose paths sometimes cross, sometimes proceed in parallel, and yet crucially also pull in different directions. While each has its place on university campuses, the two are distinct in definition, scope, purpose, and justification.
The UK HE sector should develop a deeper shared understanding and appreciation of academic freedom so as to defend it at a time when disagreeing well, expanding horizons of knowledge, and empowering democratic debate are central to the value of higher education. Championing a robust notion of academic freedom will significantly impact on public perceptions of higher education and also enable the sector demonstrably to make good on its responsibilities to society.'
Read the full piece below.
Doing Collective Inquiry Better - the alignment between Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Academic Freedom/Free Speech in UK universities
In the first in the series, Robert Simpson, Associate Professor of Philosophy at University College London, looks at the relationship between freedom of speech, academic freedom and their alignment with equality, diversity and inclusion in UK higher education institutions.