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Academics Demand Action on Free Speech Amid Censorship

1/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, faces criticism from 400 academics for undermining free speech.
Last year she promised a complaints system for academics facing censorship, but timeline is unclear.
The Department for Education says it remains committed to the scheme as time allows.
A letter from 370 academics, including Nobel laureates, warns that university staff self-censor due to backlash.
Professor Abhishek Saha emphasized scheme's urgent need to protect academic freedom.

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Story summary

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, faces criticism from 400 academics for undermining free speech.
Last year she promised a complaints system for academics facing censorship, but timeline is unclear.
The Department for Education says it remains committed to the scheme as time allows.
A letter from 370 academics, including Nobel laureates, warns that university staff self-censor due to backlash.
Professor Abhishek Saha emphasized scheme's urgent need to protect academic freedom.