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Freedom of Speech in Universities inquiry

Inquiry

The Committee found that a number of factors are limiting free speech including:

intolerant attitudes, often incorrectly using the banner of “no platforming”
and “safe-space” policies;
incidents of unacceptable intimidatory behaviour by protestors intent on
preventing free speech and debate;
unnecessary bureaucracy imposed on those organising events;
fear and confusion over what the Prevent duty entails;
regulatory complexity;
unduly complicated and cautious guidance from the Charity Commission;
concern by student unions not to infringe what they perceive to be restrictions.

The Committee has examined the impact of these factors.

Responses published

Work news

Government sets out plans for guidance on free speech in universities

Joint Committee on Human Rights Chair leads Westminster Hall debate on free speech in univiersites

Serious barriers limit free speech in universities

Joint Committee on Human Rights publishes report on freedom of speech in universities

Ministers questioned on free speech in universities

Joint Committee on Human Rights examines freedom of speech in universities

7 February 2018

New Office for Students and Charity Commission questioned

Joint Committee on Human Rights questions experts on Freedom of Speech in Universities

22 January 2018

Do Government regulations inhibit freedom of debate at universities?

Joint Committee on Human Rights hears from academics

17 January 2018

Vice Chancellors and students questioned on Freedom of Speech in Universities

Joint Committee on Human Rights continues its inquiry on Freedom of Speech in Universities

Campaigners give their views on free speech in universities

Joint Committee on Human Rights questions campaigners on Freedom of Speech in Universities

8 December 2017

Lawyers questioned on freedom of speech in Universities

Joint Committee on Human Rights examines freedom of speech in Universities

4 December 2017

Do students feel freedom of speech is restricted in Universities?

Joint Committee on Human Rights questions student representatives on freedom of speech in Universities

23 November 2017

Is Government policy on free speech in universities coherent?

Joint Committtee on Human Rights launches inquiry

21 November 2017

Is freedom of speech restricted on university campuses?

Joint Committee on Human Rights examines the relationship between freedom of speech and the Prevent duty in universities

15 November 2017

Contact us

The Committee is unable to look into individual cases

Email: jchr@parliament.uk
Phone: 0207 219 2793 (general enquiries) | 020 7219 8430 (media enquiries)
Address: Joint Committee on Human Rights, Houses of Parliament. London. SW1A 0AA