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.
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.
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CAF warns the OIA's draft guidance could leave students wrongly believing free-speech complaints are excluded before key statutory questions are considered.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.
So. Farewell then, Bridget Phillipson
Bridget Phillipson leaves the Department for Education after delaying and watering down the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. CAF assesses her record.
CAF challenges Queen Mary’s external-speaker approval policies
CAF has challenged Queen Mary University London's external-speaker policies, arguing they replace Parliament's statutory free speech protections with vague, extra-legal criteria.
Why stronger free-speech laws on campus are not enough
New legal protections for academic freedom matter. But as Ric Bienstock’s BBC documentary Speechless shows, the deeper battle for free speech on campus is cultural.
Lucy Powell and academic freedom: what does her record tell us?
Lucy Powell has become Education Secretary, but what does her parliamentary record reveal about academic freedom and campus free speech? CAF examines her votes, statements and the challenges she now inherits.