More than nine in 10 universities restrict free speech

More than nine in 10 universities in the United Kingdom are restrictive of free speech, according to a new report that raises concerns over the issue of censorship on campuses, writes Rachael Pells for the Independent.

Analysis by Spiked magazine, supported by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, suggested campus censorship had increased steadily over the past three years – with a growing number of institutions actively clamping down on ideas, literature and guest speakers that are not in keeping with their own values.

The Free Speech University Rankings, drawn from examining the policies and bans of 115 universities and students’ unions, found almost two thirds (63.5%) were “severely” restrictive of free speech, with more than 30% given an “amber” warning. Russell Group institutions were found to be significantly more censorious than the average, with four of the five most restrictive institutions part of this group – Cardiff, Edinburgh, Newcastle and the University of Oxford.
Full report on the Independent site