Speaker: Akua Reindorf KC   Discussant: Joanna Cherry KC MP

"Academic freedom – the responsibility to speak your mind and challenge conventional wisdom – defines the university and stands as a model for open debate in wider society."

So begins the "About" section of our parent organisation, Academics for Academic Freedom. Whilst few would openly disagree with that principle, we are seeing increasing levels of self-censorship amongst academics. Caught between the demands of a corporatised model of higher education characterised by job insecurity, and an increasingly censorious and polarised climate for public discussion, many academics have become afraid and fearful. 'No-platforming' is the visible effect of this fear, but the more insidious chilling of freedom of thought and expression in teaching, research and public engagement often goes unseen and unchecked.

In England, the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill is currently making its way through Parliament. Largely a response to high-profile cancellations of events, it will impose requirements and duties on universities south of the border. Is an Act of Parliament an appropriate way to protect academic freedom? Should we be seeking a similar bill here in Scotland? Is more legislation needed? Can we address a climate of fear through imposing further regulations? 

Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom are delighted to present this discussion of academic freedom and the law. Our speaker and discussant will help us to understand the law as it currently stands in relation to academic freedom and freedom of expression in universities, and to think about what academic freedom is and could be. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. Whether you work in or study at a university, have children currently in higher education, or are simply interested in what happens in the places where the next generations are educated, please come and help us think about what academic freedom means, and how it can flourish.

As with all EAFAF events, we welcome disagreement, challenging questions, and robust, respectful debate. Please also see the University of Edinburgh Dignity and Respect Policy.

Our speaker, Akua Reindorf KC, specialises in employment, discrimination and human rights law, focussing on complex and protracted litigation and high profile internal investigations. She has particular expertise in the higher education sector. In 2021 she was responsible for the University of Essex “Reindorf Report” into alleged no-platforming of two external speakers who were accused of transphobia. The report was hailed as a “turning point” in the debate on sex and gender, trans rights and cancel culture in universities.

Our discussant, Joanna Cherry KC MP, was elected as Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West in 2015 and re-elected in 2017 and 2019. She is Chair of the UK Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights. In 2019 she led the successful ‘Cherry Case’ against Boris Johnson’s unlawful prorogation of the UK Parliament. She was also a co-litigant in the case against the UK Government at the EU Court of Justice, which established that Article 50 could be unilaterally revoked.

Please bring with you some form of ID in the name in which you booked your ticket, and try to avoid bringing large bags or items of luggage as these may be subject to checks. Security colleagues will review the attendee list ahead of time and will direct us to cancel bookings made by any individual who they have reason to believe may be disruptive. Please book using a full first name and surname.

Finding the venue: Our event will take place in Lecture Theatre A, 40 George Square (the building previously known as David Hume Tower). The postcode is EH8 9JX. If you're unfamiliar with the George Square area, head for the large tower on the south-east side of the square. The entrance to Lecture Theatres A, B and C is round the side, across a raised pedestrian precinct. If you find yourself at Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre (indicated on the map), head eastwards past the Business School and you will see the David Hume Tower. There will be plenty of Security colleagues in red jackets around, so if you get lost, ask one of them.