Defenders of free speech have been celebrating recent events, including the creation of a new union headed by Toby Young. However, one may wonder why this has become so prominent now. It appears to be part of a reaction against the perceived censorship and political correctness that is spreading through universities like a cheap red sock in a hot white wash. A recent report by right-wing think tank Policy Exchange suggests that due to the highly partisan and vocal nature of the Brexit debate and unnecessary arguments over free speech, there is a growing danger that the right will view universities as being opposed to conservative and British values.
The importance of free speech on campus cannot be ignored. It is essential to remember John Stuart Mill’s assertion that even false ideas should be given a voice, as without them, true ideas become "dead dogmas" that we are incapable of defending. While it is clear that there must be limits to free speech, the frontline in the debate has always been determining where the line should be drawn. Some speakers have faced protests and boycotts because their opponents see their views as akin to hate speech, with the line being hotly contested.
It is not new for universities to come under attack for being tainted with anti-British or left-wing views, seeking to indoctrinate students and pursuing a "woke" agenda. However, it is detrimental to universities to enter into an overly defensive mode, as this poorly befits institutions of higher learning, and may demonstrate that universities may be perceived as easy targets. It is in the interest of those in power to send a message to higher education institutions that they are under scrutiny. By intimidating academics, especially their leaders, it will cultivate self-censorship and cast a shadow over their independence.
Power and speech are inextricably linked. The power to speak implies the power to prevent others from doing so. Multiple facets of power can be exercised, and the most insidious of these is when it penetrates and leads to self-censorship. This has happened to universities in other countries and has brought about darkness. It is imperative that the UK’s universities resist this temptation and remain steadfast in their commitment to free speech.
