CAF launches new resources as OfS speech complaints scheme begins
The OfS free-speech complaints scheme is now live. Find out what it means and how CAF can help academics protect free speech and academic freedom.
Frederick Attenborough
Frederick Attenborough is a writer and researcher specialising in free speech and academic freedom. Before joining the Committee for Academic Freedom, he was Research Director at the Free Speech Union. Earlier in his career, he was Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, and Lecturer in Communications and Media Studies at Loughborough University.
CAF instructs lawyers over Sunderland University warning to assisted-dying academic
CAF has instructed lawyers to act for Professor Kevin Yuill after Sunderland University warned him to “reflect carefully” on assisted-dying posts made during the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’s passage through Parliament.
Cofnas to remain at Ghent after intervention by US ambassador
Controversial “race realist” philosopher Dr Nathan Cofnas will remain at Ghent following intervention by the US ambassador, although CAF remains concerned about the nature of the ongoing disciplinary investigation.
CAF writes to Ghent warning against “heckler’s veto” in Cofnas investigation
CAF warns Ghent University that its suspension of Nathan Cofnas risks institutionalising a “heckler’s veto” and weakening protections for academic freedom.
CAF warns new REF rules could put academic freedom at risk
CAF warns that proposed REF 2029 criteria on equality, diversity and inclusion could create new risks for academic freedom and research excellence.
Is Cambridge Chancellor right to call for “kindness” in wake of Jason Arday affair?
Cambridge Chancellor Lord Smith has called for greater ‘kindness’ in the wake of the Jason Arday affair. But what might that mean for academic freedom?
Jason Arday reported academic critic to police after questions over his research
Professor Jason Arday reported fellow academic Dr David Harris to police after Harris raised concerns about apparent errors and possible plagiarism in his work
Cambridge’s response to Jason Arday threats raises fresh questions over Roshaan Khattak case
The Guardian's Jason Arday investigation raises fresh questions about Cambridge University's response to threats against researcher Roshaan Khattak.
CAF warns of uncertainty over student free-speech complaints under new OIA scheme
CAF warns the OIA's draft guidance could leave students wrongly believing free-speech complaints are excluded before key statutory questions are considered.
University lecturer’s dismissal appeal leaves academic freedom questions unanswered
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has dismissed Russell Cherrington's unfair-dismissal appeal, but the judgment leaves important questions about academic freedom and Article 10 unresolved.