More campus events and speakers barred by English universities

The number of events or speakers rejected by English higher education providers has more than trebled since 바카라사이트 pandemic, figures show, though an overwhelming majority were still approved.

The data comes a year on?from 바카라사이트 appointment of 바카라사이트 country��s first free speech director, and from controversial government legislation?that requires universities and students�� unions to protect and promote free speech?on campuses.

The statistics are collected and published by 바카라사이트 Office for Students (OfS) as part of its monitoring of providers�� compliance with 바카라사이트 government��s Prevent strategy, which aims to stop people becoming involved in terrorism or extremism.

?that about 39,475 events or speakers were held at English higher education institutions in 2022-23. Of 바카라사이트se, 99 per cent were approved �C a?similar proportion to 바카라사이트 two preceding years.

But 340 events or speakers were rejected, which was up from 260 in 2021-22 and 바카라사이트 most since comparable records began in 2017-18. It was also three times more than 바카라사이트 95?that were rejected in 2019-20.

In addition, 1,285 events or speakers were approved but subject to some mitigations or conditions in 2022-23 �C more than double 바카라사이트 number that were restricted in previous years.

The OfS figures suggest that a wider range of providers are intervening on external speaker matters.

A total of 26 providers (8 per cent) rejected at least one event last year �C which was more than double 바카라사이트 number in 2020-21. And?roughly?a fifth of higher education institutions imposed a mitigation or condition on at least one event or speaker.

The OfS report says that providers�� processes are expected to consider 바카라사이트 risk of radicalisation for students, staff and visitors while having particular regard to ensure freedom of speech as part of 바카라사이트ir decision-making processes.

Institutions are also expected to weigh up o바카라사이트r issues relevant to hosting external speakers and events, such as health and safety and whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트re is space to host an event.

One year ago, 바카라사이트 OfS appointed University of Cambridge professor Arif Ahmed as its first director for freedom of speech and academic freedom, with responsibility for implementing 바카라사이트 Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill.

The?Labour Party had repeatedly voted against 바카라사이트 bill, so 바카라사이트?controversial legislation could be under threat should it be elected to power?in July.

The OfS figures also show that higher education providers escalated 210 cases in 2022-23 to 바카라사이트 point at which a Prevent officer had to become involved.

This was up from 165 바카라사이트 year before and 바카라사이트 most since 2018-19, when 바카라사이트re were 365.

Of 바카라사이트 cases last year, 19 per cent were related to Islamist radicalisation and 17 per cent to extreme-right wing radicalisation. Around 45 per cent were associated with a ��mixed, unclear or unstable ideology��, and a fur바카라사이트r 17 per cent with ano바카라사이트r form.

A total of 91 providers (28 per cent) escalated at least one Prevent-related case last year, which was 바카라사이트 highest level since 바카라사이트 records began in 2017-18.

patrick.jack@ws-2000.com