Draft guidance announced by the UK’s Office for Students on free speech and academic freedom could have far-reaching consequences on international partnerships, but “time will tell” if the guidance might build more understanding, stakeholders say.
The guidance, which has been opened for consultation, covers a variety of scenarios surrounding free speech and academic freedom and is due to come into force in August 2024.
One scenario it puts forward is a university accepting students on visiting scholarships funded by their home government where “scholars must accept the principles of the ruling party of [their home] country”.
“Depending on the circumstances, these arrangements may undermine free speech and academic freedom at [the university]. If so, that university is likely to have to terminate or amend the scholarship agreement,” the scenario reads.
