An Oxford University professor today accused college institutions of 'dismal failure' over freedom of speech - and claimed they cynically adopted diversity policies as a 'badge' for marketing. Professor Selina Todd, 47, spoke as the government announced plans for a 'free speech champion' to ensure universities in England do not stifle it. But academic Prof Todd, who teaches modern history at Oxford, questioned whether it would have any effect given recent events. The professor - who was no-platformed herself after lobbying by trans activists over her views on gender- said universities saying they uphold free speech was incompatible with some diversity policies they had adopted.