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AKC Podcast

S09 E02: Free Speech and the University

Oct 16, 2023
The podcast discusses the role of free speech in Higher Education, including its importance for marginalized individuals and the suppression of free speech. It explores the power of free speech for marginalized groups and the tension between free speech and equality. The podcast also highlights the potential for transformative conversations and the importance of free speech and academic freedom in universities.
36:06

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Quick takeaways

  • Freedom of speech and academic freedom are essential in higher education to foster new ideas, productive debate, and challenge conventional wisdom.
  • Universities have a pedagogical duty to challenge students' assumptions, allowing dissenting views to promote critical thinking and knowledge development.

Deep dives

The Importance of Freedom of Speech in Higher Education

The podcast episode discusses the role of the Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the Office of Students in England. The speaker emphasizes that the position is not partisan and aims to protect lawful speech rights of students, staff, and visiting speakers, regardless of their viewpoints. The episode highlights the importance of freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education, as they create a necessary context for advancing new ideas, encouraging productive debate, and challenging conventional wisdom. It is noted that universities should provide a culture of vigorous debate, even on difficult and controversial topics. The discussion also highlights the pervasive concern of silencing in higher education and the chilling effect it has on individuals who may refrain from expressing their views. The episode concludes by advocating for the mutual support of freedom of speech and equality, emphasizing that freedom of speech benefits the marginalized and empowered, and that progress can only be achieved through open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

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