ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors explore the issue of ‘free speech’ in universities, and in so doing, raise some provocative questions which, they argue, undermine the key principles of higher education until that is, universities adopt the principles and practices of Total Inclusivity. Free speech is a persuasive, appealing, but ultimately meaningless rhetorical device. To attempt to embed it in law as the UK has done, is pointless and doomed to failure. Universities should aim to explore and define reality, reflect the best of it with regards to their community of learners and social responsibilities, and avoid slippage into popularist but ultimately meaningless phrases which do nothing more but inflame passions and polarise positions.
