UK Universities Urged to Prioritize Free Speech Over Foreign Influence

The Office for Students launches consultation on new guidance to protect academic freedom, amid concerns over foreign arrangements.

The Office for Students (OfS) emphasizes universities in England must ensure foreign relationships do not compromise free speech.
New guidance aims to help universities, colleges, and student unions navigate their responsibilities under recent free speech legislation.
Concerns rise over universities potentially prioritizing financial gains from international students over academic freedom.
Examples include potential suppression of speech due to foreign-funded scholarships and institutes.
The OfS will assess complaints on a case-by-case basis, with possible actions including terminating or rewriting foreign agreements.