Yes, it is. They are a fully recognised university supported by the UK government and royal charter. Their distance learning is highly regarded. In fact, many years ago the BBC would screen many Open University TV lectures for various subjects being studied.

https://about.open.ac.uk/

Well, us socialists have free health care and education. Most of us socialist states have female bodily autonomy. Were not big on banning books either. Most importantly we recognise a false dichotomy. Also we actually know what socialism is. Try visiting Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe. You’ll notice that they’re are not authoritarian at all. You might just be an American, but that’s not your fault.