Conflict on Campus

Organisers: Simon Fanshawe, Gale Macleod and Jonathan Hearn Join senior colleagues from across Scotland’s universities for a focused one-day event exploring how Higher Education in Scotland can respond constructively to conflict on campus, while remaining true to its core values. Across the day, we will examine the underlying principles that shape institutional responses to contested and divisive issues, with contributions from speakers who bring first-hand experience of navigating conflict in universities. The programme will include: Opening panel: The purpose of a university – exploring competing views on what universities are for, and how this shapes our responses to challenge and disagreement. Case studies – hearing from those who have seen universities struggle to uphold open inquiry in the face of internal and external pressures. Institutional responses – reflections from senior leaders directly involved in handling contentious issues and the frameworks, values and constraints that informed their decisions. In the afternoon, participants will join interactive workshops focused on improving dialogue and decision-making. These will run in two streams, examining principles and limits in relation to: · Academic freedom · Protest and disruption This event is designed to support practical, thoughtful discussion about how individuals and institutions approach conflict on campus – in classrooms, public events, and wider university life. Thanks to the generous financial support of Alan McFarlane, we are able to offer highly subsidised tickets at £55 per person, including lunch and refreshments and registration fee. Who should attend? The event will be of particular interest to: University Senior Leadership Academics with an interest in Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom Senior staff responsible for discipline, conduct and speaker events EDI and inclusion leads Student union leaders Places are limited to support in-depth discussion. Early booking is recommended.