- School leaders welcome proposals for the creation of a “cohesion and conflict unit” to support teachers facing threats and harassment.
- The proposal is part of a government-commissioned review into threats to social cohesion in England.
- The review highlights a case of a religious studies teacher in West Yorkshire forced into hiding after accusations of blasphemy.
- The teacher faced online and offline campaigns of intimidation and abuse.
- He was suspended for showing a Charlie Hebdo drawing in class but was later cleared.
- The review criticizes the handling of the case and calls for a focus on supporting affected teachers.
- It suggests legislation for buffer zones around schools to prevent protests.
- The National Education Union and the Association of School and College Leaders support the idea but stress the need for further consideration.
- Batley Multi Academy Trust defends its actions, disagreeing with the report’s findings.
- Michael Gove acknowledges the need for new government architecture to address threats to cohesion.
- The review also identifies higher education as affected by harassment, with universities facing pressure to cancel initiatives.
- A university free speech tsar has been appointed, and new legislation will impose a duty on English universities to promote free speech.
- Universities could face sanctions, including fines, for failing to promote free speech adequately.
- The Office for Students warns against agreements that undermine free speech and academic freedom, especially those involving international students.
- Concerns arise about universities prioritizing financial benefits over preserving free speech.
- The OfS will investigate complaints and may penalize universities for breaching free speech duties for financial gain.
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This is good to hear
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The proposal for a “cohesion and conflict unit” is crucial, especially with teachers facing harassment.
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