England’s higher education regulator, the Office for Students, faced a high‑court reversal after it attempted to fine the University of Sussex £585,000 for alleged breaches of free‑speech rules tied to former professor Kathleen Stock. The regulator’s decision, which the university challenged through a judicial review, was found to be biased and based on a “closed mind,” prompting an apology and the withdrawal of the fine. The case highlights growing scrutiny over OfS’s enforcement practices and the broader debate over academic freedom in UK universities.
Office for Students made decision to punish University of Sussex with fine last year after claiming it breached free speech regulationsEngland’s higher education regulator has apologised for a string of mistakes in its decision to punish the University of Sussex with a record fine that was later overturned by the high court.The Office for Students (OfS) tried to impose a £585,000 fine against Sussex last year after claiming the university breached free speech regulations involving its former professor Kathleen Stock. It was forced to back down in April after a judicial review initiated by Sussex found the OfS “had closed its mind” and acted with bias. Continue reading...
