The All-Party Parliamentary University Group (APPUG) are hosting a panel discussion on how universities are promoting freedom of speech on campus and how new legislation will change the legal regulatory landscape for higher education. The meeting will be held from 5.15pm - 6.45pm on Tuesday 14 March 2023, in House of Lords Committee Room 1.
In February 2021, the UK Government set out proposals to strengthen freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education in England and a subsequent Bill - the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill will receive Royal Assent in due course. Provisions in the Bill are likely to strengthen the legal requirements on universities in relation to free speech and academic freedom, and the Office for Students’ (OfS’) role even further.
This discussion will be chaired by Daniel Zeichner MP and will explore how universities have been navigating issues related to freedom of speech and how they can engage with and address the full range of relevant requirements under the new legislation. Please note that this event is not intended to provide legal advice or a comprehensive guide on the law relating to freedom of speech and academic freedom.
The Group will hear from:
- Akua Reindorf KC, Commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and a barrister specialising in equality and discrimination law
- Dr Michael Spence, President and Provost at University College London.
- Susan Lapworth, Chief-Executive of the Office for Students
There will be a Q&A session following the speaker presentations to allow members to discuss the presentations and ask further questions.