A former law lecturer who has raised tens of thousands of pounds to bring an unfair dismissal case against the Open University has claimed that universities remain “largely oblivious” to their academic freedom responsibilities, despite recent legislation.
Almut Gadow’s case has been championed by critics of universities who say institutions have endemic issues with free speech and academic freedom. Her crowdfunder, which has raised its initial target of £70,000, is being supported by the Free Speech Union.
She alleges that she was fired from the UK’s biggest higher education provider for questioning gender identity-based changes to the curriculum.
The OU said her dismissal for gross misconduct was upheld on appeal and that it rejected the “offensive and spurious allegations” she has made.
