A former law lecturer who has raised tens of thousands of pounds to bring an unfair dismissal case against the Open University has claimed that universities remain largely oblivious to their academic freedom responsibilities, despite recent legislation.
Almut Gadows case has been championed by critics of universities who say institutions have endemic issues with free speech and academic freedom. Her crowdfunder, which has raised its initial target of 70,000, is being supported by the Free Speech Union.
She alleges that she was fired from the UKs biggest higher education provider for questioning gender identity-based changes to the curriculum.
The OUsaid her dismissal for gross misconduct was upheld on appeal and that it rejected the offensive and spurious allegations she has made.
Her case focuses on the universitys law school which like many academic departments has been attempting to liberate its degree programmes. Dr Gadow said this included instructions to teach students about diverse gender identities and to use the preferred pronouns of offenders in case studies. She objected to this, saying it conflicted with a lawyers role of focusing on the facts of a case and was adistraction for students.
I dont object to some people having this agenda in the same way as I dont mind people having whatever politics they choose to, Dr Gadow told Times Higher Education.
What I mind is academic institutions feeling that they can force academics to become conduits of that agenda. Thats what I am trying to challenge.
Dr Gadow said she had repeatedly attempted to question the changes, including on an online staff forum, but her posts were removed by management.
Questioning what is in module materials has always been a part of what tutors do, said Dr Gadow, who worked for the OU for nearly a decade.
Normally when one raises these kinds of issues, provided you do it courteously, the answer would always be, Thanks, well have another look at it.
From the very first time I raised issues of gender, the answer was, We will not change any material in this regard full stop, and this is the last thing we will say about it.
The case comes after the passing of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, which created a new free speech champion post within the Office for Students, now held by Arif Ahmed, and handed the regulator new powers to enforce free speech responsibilities. Dr Gadow said time will tell whether this would have made a difference to her case.
I could have gone to the free speech tsar, and he certainly could have intervened to some extent, Dr Gadow said. Iknow some academics think he will go in and sort it all out, but if you have ever looked at regulation, you will know that is not really likely.
Even where a regulator finds one of the entities it regulates to be breaking the law, in the overwhelming majority of cases they do no more than provide words of advice.
Universities can also be sued under the new act when it fully comes into force, but Dr Gadows case instead draws on Article10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the UKs Equality Act in an attempt to entrench academic freedom protections in employment law.
In theory, it is already the case that human rights law protects academic freedom to a very high degree, she said. But it has never been put before a judge, so in practice universities are largely oblivious to this.
A spokesperson for the OU said: Almut Gadow was dismissed after a finding of gross misconduct. The dismissal was upheld at an appeal hearing chaired by an independent and senior barrister.
Since being dismissed, Almut Gadow has made a series of offensive and spurious allegations online which we reject in the strongest of terms. We welcome the opportunity the tribunal hearing provides to present our evidence about the facts of this case.
tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com
Read the original:
What can Gadow case tell us about free speech? - Times Higher Education
- Free speech is sacred [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2011]
- CNN Official Interview: Larry Flynt defends free speech [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2011]
- Free Speech TV- Spring Membership Drive.mov [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2011]
- World: Free Speech Controversy in South Africa - nytimes.com/video [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2011]
- Dear YouTube: Free Speech MY ASS! [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- The Zionist War on Free Speech [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2011]
- UC Berkeley Mario Savio Free Speech Movement 45th Ann. [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- The New Culture Wars: How the Right Stifles Free Speech Through Art Censorship [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- Free speech in Europe [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- DMD2 Is Not Alone - I AM ME MONTH [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2011]
- Free Speech for Hamsters [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2011]
- Students Who "Support" Free Speech Want to Ban Conservatives From Radio [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Ai Weiwei a symbol of free speech in Hong Kong [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Shariah Muslims Hate Free Speech [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- Christopher Hitchens -- Free Speech Part 1 [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2011]
- 'Geert Wilders verdict: Victory for Free Speech' [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Wilders hails acquittal as 'a victory for free speech' [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Free Speech is Offensive* [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- FSTV Newswire - June 23rd, 2011 Segment Two [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Violent Video Games are Protected by Free Speech [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Campaign Finance Law-Nick Dranias [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Mark Steyn on Free Speech [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Independent Voices 5x15: Johann Hari on free speech and religious fundamentalism [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Independent Voices 5x15: Max Mosley on free speech and the press [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Independent Voices 5x15: Evgeny Lebedev on the importance of free speech [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Independent Voices 5x15: Charlotte Harris on the law and free speech [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2011]
- Bernie Sanders address to Free Speech TV Activsts [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2011]
- Town Moves To Ban Free Speech in Private Homes, Group Meetings [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2011]
- Free Speech TV NAACP Coverage Promo [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2011]
- 07/21/11 Adam Full Show We're all terrorists now, Free bullets, not free speech, [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2011]
- Free Bullets, not free speech [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2011]
- Christopher Hitchens -- Free Speech Part 2.flv [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2011]
- The CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley - Cell service shutdown ignites free speech debate [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- Youtube proves free speech requires money [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2011]
- Defending Free Speech With a 'Panic Button' [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2011]
- ADL - Anti-Defamation League - the war on free speech. [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2011]
- Police at the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office try to censor free speech of protestors. [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2011]
- Supreme Court Revokes Annoying Man's Free Speech Rights (Season 1 Ep: 3 on IFC) [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Political signs become issue in race [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Ezra Levant: Saudi Arabian Fascists Threaten Free Speech In Canada! [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Zionists Attack American Muslims Right To Free Speech [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2011]
- Imam Rauf on Free Speech [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- No Freedom of Speech in War? [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- [OCCUPY WALL STREET] NYPD Violently Strips the Right to Free Speech [#OccupyWallstreet] [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Inside Story - Free speech at any cost? [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2011]
- Obama's Visit to Minneapolis - Free Speech Zone Outside [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2011]
- "Citizens Intervention" Free Speech Open Mic #Oct29 No. 1: PhenomeJon - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- NYPD Violently Strips the Right to Free Speech - OCCUPY WALLSTREET - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- Free Speech Is Great! - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- What's the Biggest Threat to Free Speech? - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Does free speech exist at all? - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Supreme Court rules free speech allowed at funerals - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Everything Is Different Now - Free Speech - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Citizens Arrested for committing FREE SPEECH in Washington DC - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- ACLU Explains Free Speech Rights For Protesters - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Free speech activist faces jail for criticizing Islam, Sharia Law - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Occupy NS Oct 21 2011 Free Speech - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- OccupyMN Wins Free Speech Battle With Hennepin County - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- Teacher Blog : Free Speech ? - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- Mark Levin Discusses Free Speech, The American Flag, And The Leftist Assault On Our Public Schools - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Free speech #7 w/ Tormel Pittman - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2011]
- Metallica - Free Speech for the Dumb | with lyrics - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- YOUTUBE BEING SUED FOR 51 PERCENT CONTROL FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE 'S FREE SPEECH - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- Rense Radio - David Duke The Patricia McAllister Free Speech Controversy [2011.10.26] - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Christopher Hitchens Debate - Free Speech, Liberty and politics - Video [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2011]
- Pulaski County Planning Commission Watershed Vote attempt to stop free speech 02.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2011]
- FSTV Thanksgiving - Video [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2011]
- Do Cops Have Free Speech in the Drug War? - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- Speak Out: America Is a Free Speech Forum - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- You Can Defeat Elites' SOPA Bill to Censor Internet Free Speech - Video [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2011]
- Occupy Protesters Free Speech Class - Video [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2011]
- John Stossel - Free Speech And Its Enemies - Video [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2011]
- COFS - Free Speech in the Age of Terrorism (10-10-11) - Video [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2011]
- Internet Kill Switch = Death of Free Speech on the Web: Infowars Nightly News - Video [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2011]
- Muslims Exercise Free Speech in Germany.Cops Show Support and Rip Down Israeli Flag - Video [Last Updated On: January 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 2nd, 2012]
- Don't Mess with Firefly! How SciFi Fans Made a Campus Safe for Free Speech (feat. Neil Gaiman) - Video [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2012]
- Your allotted amount of free speech has expired! - Video [Last Updated On: January 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 6th, 2012]
- COFS - Free Speech in the Age of the Internet (10-10-11) - Video [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2012]
- Bullying is Free Speech? - Video [Last Updated On: January 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2012]
- Free Speech Has a Price - Video [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2012]