Freedom of Speech Universities 2025-04-28

2025-04-28

Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Chris Ward Lab
Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Context
The University of Sussex was fined over £500,000 by the Office for Students after a three-and-half-year investigation into freedom of speech. The university claims that it never received an opportunity to speak with the regulator during this process.
Chris Ward noted that the University of Sussex has been fined over £500,000 following a lengthy OFS investigation. He questioned whether the Minister shares his concern about the conclusion without speaking to the university and asked for a meeting to discuss the implications of this ruling with her.
Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the limitations on her ability to comment due to the independent nature of the Office for Students' decision. She stated that she would be willing to arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister once legal matters have concluded.
Assessment & feedback
Specific request for immediate meeting and discussion was not addressed; only offered after legal conclusion
Legal Limitations
Response accuracy