University of Sussex wins court challenge to overturn £585,000 freedom of speech fine
The University of Sussex has successfully appealed against a £585,000 fine imposed by the Office for Students for allegedly breaching freedom of speech through its trans and non-binary inclusion policy. The High Court ruled that the OfS did not follow a proper process, citing bias and a flawed understanding of academic freedom. The decision raises concerns about the regulator's impartiality and approach, with implications for future oversight of free speech in universities.
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University wins record freedom of speech fine challengeJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleBranwen JeffreysEducation EditorGetty ImagesThe University of Sussex has won an appeal against a record £585,000 fine and ruling it had infringed on lawful freedom of speech.Last year the Office for Students (OfS), the regulator of England's universities, handed down the fine and claimed the university had breached its trans and non-binary inclusion policy.The OfS investigation came after Kathleen Stock left her job as professor of philosophy at Sussex, following protests from students over her view that gender was not more important than biological sex.The vice-chancellor of Sussex said the new High Court ruling raised serious questions about the regulator, while the OfS described the…
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