Motion 71
Political Attacks on University Staff
“That this Congress notes the attack in autumn 2023 by the UK Government Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on two UK academics involved in work in equality and diversity. Congress notes that both academics were accused of promoting extremist views which is entirely untrue.
“Congress notes that, as well as publicly attacking them without recourse to respond, the Secretary of State called on the research funding body, UKRI, to suspend the academics from Research England’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion advisory group.
“Congress believes it is fundamental to an open, healthy and democratic society that academics, universities, and research bodies can function free from political interference and that academic freedom is enshrined in law in the 2016 Higher Education Governance Act. Congress notes that the Israel-Gaza conflict has heightened tensions in public debate, but that freedom of expression and speech are essential to allow public discourse and that politicians should refrain from engaging in a “culture wars” agenda.
“Congress notes further that, in 2022, the UK Government legislated, predominantly but not exclusively in relation to England and Wales, to restrict the right to protest and freedom of assembly.
“Congress believes that employees, including in universities, the media, and elsewhere should be able to express their views within the law without fear of reprisal from their employer or their employment being put at risk and that the right to protest is fundamental to a democratic society and remains protected in law by the European Convention on Human Rights.
“Congress condemns the actions of the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, and calls on the General Council to:
- write to the minister expressing the view of congress; and
- monitor and respond to any further incidences of freedom of expression and speech or the right to protest being restricted.”
Mover: University & College Union
RSS