A group of academics at the University of Oxford is attempting to get the institution’s social media guidelines and harassment policies changed because they fear the documents are “frustrating” academic freedom.
Michael Biggs, professor of sociology, and Roger Teichmann, tutor and fellow in philosophy, proposed the move in a question tabled to the university’s sovereign body, Congregation. It has also been signed by seven other colleagues, including Jeff McMahan, White’s professor of moral philosophy and Nigel Biggar, professor of pastoral theology.
It follows the case of Abhijit Sarkar, who said he was subjected to rape and murder threats online after being accused of “Hinduphobia” due to his criticism of Rashmi Samant when she became the first female Indian student to be elected as president of the Oxford University Students’ Union.
