Freedom of speech and preventing extremism in UK higher education institutions

UK higher education institutions have a statutory duty to uphold freedom of speech in their institutions as far as is practical within the law.  This duty has come under pressure recently from the Government’s Prevent Strategy and provisions in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. 

This briefing sets out the relationship between the role of universities and colleges in upholding freedon of speech and Government measures on preventing extremism.  It outlines legislation in this area, details Government reports and university guidance documents and gives an overview of recent debate on the impact of Government policy on preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorism in higher education institutions.