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Free Speech Articles

Turkey’s new HE laws blow to academic freedom

Turkey’s government have proposed new laws that would restrict freedom of speech within their universities. Institutions who criticise the government will now find themselves at risk of closure

University society forms independent association in order to host event

The University of Manchester Free Speech and Secular Society forms the Manchester Free Speech Association after the Students’ Union refused to hold a proposed debate

Charges dropped against Bahar Mustafa after #killallwhitemen row

High profile charges have been dropped against Bahar Mustafa, after social media comments stating #killallwhitemen were discovered by her critics

Viet Cong and the limits of artistic license

Zakk Brown questions whether the change in Viet Cong’s band name affected their artistic direction

Safe space is open for debate

Coby Tunnicliffe argues that the safe space policy does not keep us safe but hinders intellectual debate and discussion

Banned Oxford magazine may “cause offence”

Satirical magazine ‘No Offence’ was banned from the Oxford Freshers’ Fair due to it controversial content

Warwick SU backs down on decision to block speech by secular activist

Under strong public pressure, Warwick University has reversed its controversial decision to block speaker

Charlie Hebdo cover revealed at debate on campus

In a debate over free speech on campus, the controversial front cover of the memorial edition of Charlie Hebdo, depicting the prophet Muhammad, was revealed unannounced

80 per cent of UK Universities restrict free speech

Spiked’s Free Speech University Rankings ranked universities on the level of free expression allowed on campus. The University of Manchester was ranked amber; the university itself received green, but the Students’ Union’s amber ranking pulled it down.

The hypocrisies of censorship

Guest contributors Edgar and John Beswirck argue against the unnecessary censorship of the recent Charlie Hebdo Muhammad cartoon at the Students’ Union’s Refreshers’ Fair

Muslim students campaign against Theresa May’s proposed counter-terrorism bill

The bill, which will see universities compelled to monitor rising “extremism” among students, is said to restrict free speech

Integrity and personal freedom of speech

Lauren Wills defends the inviolable right to freedom of speech and how it should be used to criticise intolerant and hateful views

We are Charlie Hebdo

The Mancunion’s statement on the shootings in Paris

The war against free speech on campus

Sam Dumitriu interviews US campus free speech activist Greg Lukianoff on the fight to defend free speech on campus