Exclusive: Cambridge accused of creating ‘police state’ where dons can be reported for raising an eyebrow

University lists micro-aggressions and potential offences on website on which ‘inappropriate’ behaviour can be anonymously reported

Cambridge dons have accused the university of trampling on free speech
Cambridge academics have accused the university of trampling on free speech Credit: iStockphoto

Cambridge academics could be reported to the university if they raise their eyebrows when a black member of staff or student is speaking under new guidelines issued by the pro vice-Chancellor.

Dons could also be committing a "micro-aggression" if they give backhanded compliments, turn their backs on certain people or refer to a woman as a girl.

A list of potential offences has been published by the university on a new website on which academics and students can anonymously report "inappropriate" behaviour. The site has been created as part of a "Change the Culture" initiative that includes a series of policies and resources aimed at "clarifying expectations" about behaviour.

Dons have accused the university of trampling on free speech, saying the reporting system will foster a culture "akin to that of a police state".

One told The Telegraph: "Heated disagreement on many academic subjects are likely to become impossible. They have effectively laid out the pitchforks, and it is now up to the woke mob to pick them up."

In December, Cambridge dons prevailed in a free speech row after voting down an attempt by university chiefs to force them to be "respectful of the diverse identities of others".

Three amendments, put forward by academics who said they wanted to safeguard free speech at the 800-year-old university, were voted through, leading the rebel dons to claim they had "won by a landslide".

One academic said the vote showed the vast majority of Cambridge academics are in favour of "classic liberal values of tolerance", adding: "Within a matter of months, the university has rolled out a system that is so obviously contradictory in spirit to the core values of free speech."

The new behaviour resources explain that micro-aggressions are everyday "slights, indignities, put-downs and insults" to which minority groups are subjected. These can be either intentional or unintentional, with perpetrators often  "unaware" that they have caused offence.

A list of examples is provided, including asking someone "where are you really from?" and misgendering a person, especially if they have already shared their pronouns.

Micro-aggressions also include "behaviours such as a change in body language when responding to those of a particular characteristic, for example, raising eyebrows when a black member of staff or student is speaking, dismissing a staff or student who brings up race and/or racism in a teaching and learning or work setting".

Dr Arif Ahmed, a fellow at Gonville and Caius and a lecturer in philosophy, said the guidelines give him "great cause for concern". He said the inclusion of misgendering on the list of micro-aggressions was dangerous because "you might have a philosophical view where you reject non-binary gender".

Academics and students can use the "Report and Support" site to make allegations about inappropriate behaviour, and can choose whether to leave their contact details or remain anonymous.

Dons fear the new system could be "weaponised" by those seeking to undermine someone with whom they disagree by reporting them and potentially triggering an investigation and disciplinary process.

"The anonymous process is likely to be abused by maliciously targeting individuals, given how easy it will be to make false accusations that tarnish an individual's reputation without repercussion," one academic said. "It will be an absolute nightmare."

Last week, a new bill on academic freedom was featured in the Queen's Speech, which Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, said will end "the chilling effect of censorship on campus once and for all". Universities in England could face fines if they fail to protect free speech on campus under tougher legislation.

Toby Young, the general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said: "Cambridge University has just put a robust new free speech policy in place, which the Vice-Chancellor has welcomed. Why, then, has he approved this sinister new reporting system?"

A university spokesman said: "As is clearly set out in our policy on freedom of speech, uexpects everyone to be tolerant of the views and opinions of others.

"The culture of mutual respect focuses specifically on our treatment of one another to ensure that we remain courteous, professional and recognise the individual behind those views and opinions no matter how robustly we challenge them."

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