Speech Freedom: University of Cambridge Maintains Free Speech Code Amid Ongoing Debate on Hate Speech

Cambridge University Stands Firm on Freedom of Speech Rules Despite Government Pause

Cambridge University has started using a new freedom of speech code, even though the law it was based on has been paused by the new Labour government. The code was created to match the rules of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, which was put on hold last month. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she decided to stop moving forward with the Act to look at other options, including possibly repealing it. Despite this, Cambridge's new free speech code was put into effect on August 1st, even though the law it was based on is not currently active. The new code at Cambridge was created based on the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. This Act was meant to let academics share controversial or unpopular opinions legally, without facing intolerance or discrimination. However, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the Act was paused because it might lead to harm and hateful speech on campuses.
 

A University spokesperson said the code was meant to update existing policies to fit with the now-paused Act. Since the new law is not active, the code will use the Education Act 1986 for legal enforcement, but it still keeps the principles and language from the controversial new policies. August 1st saw the implementation of Cambridge University's new free speech code, even though Cambridge's new code promises to protect freedom of speech and academic freedom while following the law. It also states that the university won’t use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for complaints about sexual harassment or bullying and will manage risks to free speech related to funding and partnerships.
 

There has been controversy over free speech at Cambridge. In May, Nicholas Guyatt said the Philosophy Faculty couldn't fire Nathan Cofnas, a controversial research fellow, due to the now-paused Act. Cofnas faced major criticism earlier this year for saying that the number of black professors at Harvard would “approach zero” in a meritocracy, which was called “abhorrent racism” by Simon Woolley of Homerton College. After the Act was put on hold, 342 academics signed a letter asking Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to reinstate it. The letter argued that the Act was needed to protect academics who have been censured or dismissed for expressing legal opinions.
 

The Act would have allowed the Office for Students to fine universities and student unions that didn’t protect free speech. Twenty-two Cambridge academics signed the letter to reinstate the Act, including Divinity fellow James Orr, who faced criticism last year for “racist” comments about Arabs and Palestinians. The debate over free speech also involves the Cambridge for Palestine (C4P) camp, which is set to be removed after the university promised to review its arms investments. Cambridge said the Office for Students reminded it and other institutions of their duty to protect free speech and the right to protest. The future of the Act is uncertain, as the Department for Education is considering whether to repeal it or not.
 

A University of Cambridge spokesperson told Varsity that the new Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech combines and updates previous university documents about free speech. The Code clearly explains the university’s commitment to free speech and how it will handle related issues. It was approved by the Regent House in June and went into effect on August 1, 2024, as planned.

Editor’s note:

The goal of Cambridge University's new Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech is to update its prior regulations while also strengthening and elucidating the university's commitment to free speech. The Code, which was approved by the Regent House and went into effect on August 1, 2024, offers a methodical way to handle problems relating to free speech. Although this action demonstrates the university's commitment to academic freedom, it is crucial that everyone concerned make sure the Code's tenets promote courteous and open discussion without endangering the well-being of the campus community. The real effect of this Code will rely on how it is implemented and whether or not it can strike a balance between responsible oversight and freedom of expression.

Skoobuzz believes that Cambridge University’s decision stands as a significant marker of its commitment to fostering an environment where diverse ideas can be explored and debated.