Fining universities for no-platforming denies the idea of academic freedom | Simon Jenkins

The government says it wants to ensure free speech on campus – yet under the Prevent strategy it has its own list of banned speakers

Who has the right to decide what students hear, read or see? The National Union of Students thinks it has that right. It argues that this is a free country and it can decide whom to censor. Universities minister Jo Johnson disagrees. He sees modern students as mollycoddled snowflakes who should grow up. He intends to fine universities that shield themselves and t...