The National Secular Society raised concerns that some theological colleges registered with the Office for Students (OfS), which can therefore access public funds including student loans, have policies that restrict academic freedom and freedom of speech.
This is despite OfS conditions of registration requiring higher education providers to uphold these freedoms, the NSS said in a letter to the minister of state for higher and further education Michelle Donelan.
The OfS's conditions of registration state that higher education providers must allow staff and students to "question and test received wisdom" and "put forward new ideas and controversial and unpopular opinions".
One of the theological colleges identified by the NSS as potentially in breach of these conditions is Moorlands College, which says activities including teaching and research "shall be carried on in strict accordance with the doctrinal basis set out".
Regents Theological College requires staff and students to adhere to the statement: "We believe the Bible, as originally given, to be without error".
This is despite OfS conditions of registration requiring higher education providers to uphold these freedoms, the NSS said in a letter to the minister of state for higher and further education Michelle Donelan.
The OfS's conditions of registration state that higher education providers must allow staff and students to "question and test received wisdom" and "put forward new ideas and controversial and unpopular opinions".
One of the theological colleges identified by the NSS as potentially in breach of these conditions is Moorlands College, which says activities including teaching and research "shall be carried on in strict accordance with the doctrinal basis set out".
Regents Theological College requires staff and students to adhere to the statement: "We believe the Bible, as originally given, to be without error".
Continue reading @ National Secular Society.
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