If we want our universities to be institutions of truth-seeking and robust debate, they need to uphold institutional neutrality. The Second Reading of the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) in Parliament yesterday marks further progress towards academics and students regaining their speech rights on campus, says Stephanie Martin, spokesperson for the Free Speech Union.

“Institutional neutrality ensures that it’s academics and students that get to take a stance on issues, not universities. When universities as institutions take positions on cultural and social issues, it stifles debate. This is the antithesis of the environment universities are meant to create.

“This legislation, which the Free Speech Union contributed extensively towards, strengthens requirements on universities to protect academic freedom by ensuring they implement free speech policies, report annually on academic freedom, and refrain from adopting institutional positions on issues that just aren’t their business.

“Despite attempts in the House to minimise the issue, the Free Speech Union continues to hear from concerned academics about a culture of fear on campus. We will continue to stand up for these academics and advocate for their rights to speak freely.

“This Bill is not about forcing certain perspectives. It’s the opposite. It’s to ensure all topics can be on the table. Time and time again, we have seen universities fail to protect and uphold academic freedom. Parliament must ensure they are held to account.”
 

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