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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Richard Adams Education editor

Stimulate debate on contentious topics, expert urges English universities

Arif Ahmed
Arif Ahmed is the Office for Students’ director of freedom of speech and academic freedom. Photograph: Jill Mead/The Guardian

Universities in England should rearrange classrooms and use the Chatham House rule to help students overcome their fears of discussing controversial topics, according to the government’s lead on free speech.

Arif Ahmed, the Office for Students’ director of freedom of speech and academic freedom, said there was a significant danger to academic integrity if speech and expression were restricted on campuses, and he urged universities to take positive steps to tackle student reticence.

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