A Conservative MP and government whip has written to all UK universities demanding a list of professors who are teaching students about Brexit, prompting an angry backlash from academics.
Chris Heaton-Harris, a staunch Brexit supporter, was accused of “McCarthyism” after writing to university vice chancellors asking that they send him information on what their lecturers are telling students about Britain’s departure from the EU, as well as the names of the lecturers.
In the letter, he requested a list of academics “who are involved in the teaching of European affairs, with particular reference to Brexit”. The Daventry MP also asked for a version of every university’s syllabus and even demanded copies of online lectures on Brexit. [...]
Professor Kevin Featherstone, head of the London School of Economics (LSE) European Institute, told The Guardian: “The letter reflects a past of a McCarthyite nature. It smacks of asking ‘Are you or have you ever been in favour of remain?’ There is clearly an implied threat that universities will somehow be challenged for their bias.”
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