Academics from London universities are part of the London Universities' Council for Academic Freedom (LUCAF).
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A new council of over 100 academics from leading London universities has been introduced as the London Universities’ Council for Academic Freedom (LUCAF).
The new council aims to promote free inquiry, intellectual diversity, and civil discourse on campuses.
Scholars from Kings College of London, University College London, Queen Mary University, and City, University of London are part of the council.
The academic and non-partisan organization held its opening event at the LSE campus on 20 November.
Educators gathered at the LSE Department of Social Policy. (@jamesmurray88 on X)
The discussions covered the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 enacted in May and which will be implemented in 2024. This legislation mandates universities and student unions to support free speech.
Academic staff will be able to register complaints with the Director of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the Office for Students, with the option to escalate concerns to civil courts if dissatisfied.
Professor Ian Pace, a music, culture, and society expert at City, University of London and council’s secretary, stated: “I think there are serious concerns at present. I do hope that the new act will make a difference. It takes effect next year, and universities will need to adjust many of their policies and regulations accordingly.”
Professor Ian Pace represents City, University of London.(@acfreeLSE on X)
The council’s formation comes against the backdrop of recent free speech controversies at London universities, such as the Israel/Hamas conflict, transgender rights, race, and gender-critical theories, as well as the ongoing debates surrounding the decolonization of math and science curricula.
Akua Reindorf KC, a barrister specializing in employment, discrimination, and human rights spoke at the event.
She said: “Universities can restrict speech only in cases of unlawful harassment. The legal threshold is high, acknowledging universities as spaces for confronting challenging ideas, even if they challenge closely held beliefs or identities.”
Barrister Akua Reindorf KC spoke about freedom from harassment in universities. (@ObhishekSaha on Twitter)
The council recently responded to proposed changes in the Research Excellence Framework 2028, which asses criteria for public investment in research.
LUCAF expressed concern regarding changes in how UK universities are assessed for funding. According to LUCAF, focusing on issues like diversity might lead to bias and political influence, potentially harming academic freedom.
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StandfirstEducators from across the political spectrum and diverse fields are part of the London Universities Council for Academic Freedom.
A new council of over 100 academics from leading London universities has been introduced as the London Universities’ Council for Academic Freedom (LUCAF).
The new council aims to promote free inquiry, intellectual diversity, and civil discourse on campuses.
Scholars from Kings College of London, University College London, Queen Mary University, and City, University of London are part of the council.
The academic and non-partisan organization held its opening event at the LSE campus on 20 November.
Educators gathered at the LSE Department of Social Policy. (@jamesmurray88 on X)
The discussions covered the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 enacted in May and which will be implemented in 2024. This legislation mandates universities and student unions to support free speech.
Academic staff will be able to register complaints with the Director of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the Office for Students, with the option to escalate concerns to civil courts if dissatisfied.
Professor Ian Pace, a music, culture, and society expert at City, University of London and council’s secretary, stated: “I think there are serious concerns at present. I do hope that the new act will make a difference. It takes effect next year, and universities will need to adjust many of their policies and regulations accordingly.”
Professor Ian Pace represents City, University of London.(@acfreeLSE on X)
The council’s formation comes against the backdrop of recent free speech controversies at London universities, such as the Israel/Hamas conflict, transgender rights, race, and gender-critical theories, as well as the ongoing debates surrounding the decolonization of math and science curricula.
Akua Reindorf KC, a barrister specializing in employment, discrimination, and human rights spoke at the event.
She said: “Universities can restrict speech only in cases of unlawful harassment. The legal threshold is high, acknowledging universities as spaces for confronting challenging ideas, even if they challenge closely held beliefs or identities.”
Barrister Akua Reindorf KC spoke about freedom from harassment in universities. (@ObhishekSaha on Twitter)
The council recently responded to proposed changes in the Research Excellence Framework 2028, which asses criteria for public investment in research.
LUCAF expressed concern regarding changes in how UK universities are assessed for funding. According to LUCAF, focusing on issues like diversity might lead to bias and political influence, potentially harming academic freedom.
