Company number: 12497951
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Free Speech and Academic Freedom Policy

Policy Statement

The School is committed to upholding free speech and academic freedom, essential for intellectual growth and vibrant discourse. We support an environment where all members can openly discuss, challenge, and explore ideas respectfully. Our policy ensures that academic freedom is preserved while maintaining a supportive atmosphere for diverse perspectives and civil debate, crucial for personal and academic development.

Principles

Expression: Encouraging the free exchange of ideas and opinions in a respectful and constructive manner.
Respect: Upholding respect for the rights and opinions of others.
Diversity: Valuing diverse viewpoints as essential to the richness of academic debate.
Responsibility: Exercising freedom of expression responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
Inquiry: Supporting rigorous and independent academic inquiry.
Tolerance: Fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding.
Safety: Ensuring that free speech is practiced without incitement to hatred or violence.
Balance: Balancing the right to free expression with the need to maintain an inclusive environment.
Integrity: Maintaining the integrity of academic teaching and research.
Legality: Respecting and adhering to legal parameters surrounding free speech.
Civility: Advocating civility in discourse as a keystone of constructive dialogue.
Review: Regularly examining policies to safeguard and nurture the School’s commitment to free speech and academic freedom.

Regulatory Context

This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:

Authority	Name	Url
UK Government	Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (HERA) A UK legislation that reformed the higher education and research sector, particularly by establishing the Office for Students and UK Research and Innovation.
Office for Students (OfS)	Regulatory Notices and Advice Regulatory notices are additional information about OfS' regulatory requirements and are part of the regulatory framework. Regulatory advice helps providers understand and meet OfS requirements.
UK Government	Equality Act 2010 Equalities law to prohibit harassment and victimisation, and eliminate discrimination, including in the area of further and higher education, particularly with regards to specified personal characteristics.
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)	The Quality Code This code represents a shared understanding of quality practice across the UK higher education sector, protecting public and student interests and championing the UK's reputation for quality.
Advance HE	Code of Governance for Universities A code of governance that sets out the principles and standards that universities in the UK should follow.
Committee of University Chairs	The Higher Education Code of Governance A code aimed at ensuring the highest levels of governance at higher education institutions.

Authority

Name

Url

UK Government

Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (HERA)
A UK legislation that reformed the higher education and research sector, particularly by establishing the Office for Students and UK Research and Innovation.

Office for Students (OfS)

Regulatory Notices and Advice
Regulatory notices are additional information about OfS' regulatory requirements and are part of the regulatory framework. Regulatory advice helps providers understand and meet OfS requirements.

UK Government

Equality Act 2010
Equalities law to prohibit harassment and victimisation, and eliminate discrimination, including in the area of further and higher education, particularly with regards to specified personal characteristics.

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

The Quality Code
This code represents a shared understanding of quality practice across the UK higher education sector, protecting public and student interests and championing the UK's reputation for quality.

Advance HE

Code of Governance for Universities
A code of governance that sets out the principles and standards that universities in the UK should follow.

Committee of University Chairs

The Higher Education Code of Governance
A code aimed at ensuring the highest levels of governance at higher education institutions.

Academic Freedom

Title
Rule Academic Freedom and Free Speech Policy This policy safeguards and advances academic freedom, enabling scholars to pursue knowledge without interference and challenge established beliefs. Academic staff are encouraged to propose new ideas and express controversial views, provided their actions do not violate English legal limits or institutional regulations. Understanding definitions such as 'hate speech' and 'censorship' is critical to recognising the boundaries within which academic freedom operates. These principles are essential for fostering a culture that values academic freedom while maintaining the integrity of intellectual debate. By clearly defining individual rights and responsibilities, as well as the limits of free speech, the institution encourages respectful and constructive engagement. This commitment ensures that scholars can pursue research and teaching without fear, cultivating a dynamic academic environment where diverse perspectives can flourish.

Title

Rule
Academic Freedom and Free Speech Policy

This policy safeguards and advances academic freedom, enabling scholars to pursue knowledge without interference and challenge established beliefs. Academic staff are encouraged to propose new ideas and express controversial views, provided their actions do not violate English legal limits or institutional regulations. Understanding definitions such as 'hate speech' and 'censorship' is critical to recognising the boundaries within which academic freedom operates.

These principles are essential for fostering a culture that values academic freedom while maintaining the integrity of intellectual debate. By clearly defining individual rights and responsibilities, as well as the limits of free speech, the institution encourages respectful and constructive engagement. This commitment ensures that scholars can pursue research and teaching without fear, cultivating a dynamic academic environment where diverse perspectives can flourish.

Annual Review of Speech and Freedom

Title
Rule Annual Free Speech and Freedom Strategy Each year, based on this policy, the Executive Committee will implement steps to enforce free speech and civil debate principles. The Committee will set objectives in the annual plan that promote respectful debate and critical thinking. Resources will be allocated, and milestones established for training programmes that engage individuals with diverse and challenging ideas, including workshops on free speech and academic freedom for staff and students. Additionally, procedures will be integrated into the operational plan to balance freedom of speech with well-being support, ensuring adequate resources for both areas. Clear processes for addressing disputes related to free speech and academic freedom, including informal and formal resolution channels, will be established. Annual reviews will ensure compliance with legal standards, and policy updates will be communicated to the academic community, incorporating feedback into the planning process. These steps are crucial for creating a structured approach to uphold free speech and civil debate. By integrating specific objectives and allocating resources, the Executive Committee reinforces respectful discourse and well-being, fostering a community where all members feel supported in meaningful discussions. The commitment to education enhances understanding and respect among staff and students. Regular reviews ensure policies remain effective and relevant, reinforcing the institution's dedication to these values.

Title

Rule
Annual Free Speech and Freedom Strategy

Each year, based on this policy, the Executive Committee will implement steps to enforce free speech and civil debate principles. The Committee will set objectives in the annual plan that promote respectful debate and critical thinking. Resources will be allocated, and milestones established for training programmes that engage individuals with diverse and challenging ideas, including workshops on free speech and academic freedom for staff and students. Additionally, procedures will be integrated into the operational plan to balance freedom of speech with well-being support, ensuring adequate resources for both areas. Clear processes for addressing disputes related to free speech and academic freedom, including informal and formal resolution channels, will be established. Annual reviews will ensure compliance with legal standards, and policy updates will be communicated to the academic community, incorporating feedback into the planning process.

These steps are crucial for creating a structured approach to uphold free speech and civil debate. By integrating specific objectives and allocating resources, the Executive Committee reinforces respectful discourse and well-being, fostering a community where all members feel supported in meaningful discussions. The commitment to education enhances understanding and respect among staff and students. Regular reviews ensure policies remain effective and relevant, reinforcing the institution's dedication to these values.

Promoting Free Speech and Supporting Wellbeing

Title
Rule Balancing Free Speech and Civil Debate Policy This policy recognises that free speech is fundamental to the academic environment. However, freedom of expression can sometimes be offensive or disturbing. To balance the rights and freedoms of individuals, the School will support civil debate by implementing measures that encourage respectful and constructive discourse within the academic community. The School is committed to preparing students with the skills necessary to critically analyse and engage with challenging ideas, equipping them for future challenges. These principles are vital for cultivating an atmosphere where free speech is respected while maintaining a supportive academic community. By clearly defining expectations surrounding free speech and the importance of civil discourse, the School encourages individuals to express diverse viewpoints responsibly. This approach not only upholds the right to free expression but also fosters a culture of respect and understanding, ensuring all community members feel safe and valued while engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Title

Rule
Balancing Free Speech and Civil Debate Policy

This policy recognises that free speech is fundamental to the academic environment. However, freedom of expression can sometimes be offensive or disturbing. To balance the rights and freedoms of individuals, the School will support civil debate by implementing measures that encourage respectful and constructive discourse within the academic community. The School is committed to preparing students with the skills necessary to critically analyse and engage with challenging ideas, equipping them for future challenges.

These principles are vital for cultivating an atmosphere where free speech is respected while maintaining a supportive academic community. By clearly defining expectations surrounding free speech and the importance of civil discourse, the School encourages individuals to express diverse viewpoints responsibly. This approach not only upholds the right to free expression but also fosters a culture of respect and understanding, ensuring all community members feel safe and valued while engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Commitment to Free Speech and Academic Freedom

Title
Definition Key Definitions This section defines key parameters such as 'free speech,' which entails the right to express opinions without censorship; 'academic freedom,' allowing scholars to pursue knowledge without interference; 'hate speech,' defined as language that incites violence or discrimination; and 'censorship,' referring to the suppression of ideas. These definitions form the foundation of the institution's dedication to promoting free speech and academic freedom. The scope of this policy encompasses all students, staff, and visiting speakers, outlining their rights to express views and engage in discourse while emphasising the responsibility to do so respectfully and constructively. This fosters an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Clearly delineating who is covered by the policy and the expected conduct is vital for establishing a shared understanding of the principles underpinning the institution's commitment. By promoting a culture of respect and dialogue, all members of the university community can engage in meaningful discussions while ensuring harmful expressions are appropriately addressed.

Title

Definition
Key Definitions

This section defines key parameters such as 'free speech,' which entails the right to express opinions without censorship; 'academic freedom,' allowing scholars to pursue knowledge without interference; 'hate speech,' defined as language that incites violence or discrimination; and 'censorship,' referring to the suppression of ideas. These definitions form the foundation of the institution's dedication to promoting free speech and academic freedom. The scope of this policy encompasses all students, staff, and visiting speakers, outlining their rights to express views and engage in discourse while emphasising the responsibility to do so respectfully and constructively. This fosters an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives.

Clearly delineating who is covered by the policy and the expected conduct is vital for establishing a shared understanding of the principles underpinning the institution's commitment. By promoting a culture of respect and dialogue, all members of the university community can engage in meaningful discussions while ensuring harmful expressions are appropriately addressed.

Metrics and KPIs

The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations.

Title
Academic Freedom Review Conduct an annual review of academic freedom cases to identify trends and areas for improvement. Helps to monitor the practical application of academic freedom and address any emerging issues.
Civic Engagement Initiatives Track the number of initiatives aimed at promoting civil debate, aiming for at least 5 new initiatives per year. Supports the development of a respectful and open academic environment.
Diversity of Guest Speakers Monitor the diversity of guest speakers invited to discuss free speech and academic freedom, aiming for at least 50% from underrepresented groups. Ensures a broad range of perspectives and promotes inclusivity in discussions.
Feedback on Policy Collect annual feedback from staff and students on their experiences aiming for a 75% response rate. Provides valuable input on the practical challenges and successes of the policy in practice.
Incident Resolution Time Measure the average time taken to resolve incidents related to free speech or academic freedom. Provides insight into the efficiency of the institution’s response to policy breaches and disputes.

Title

Academic Freedom Review
Conduct an annual review of academic freedom cases to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Helps to monitor the practical application of academic freedom and address any emerging issues.

Civic Engagement Initiatives
Track the number of initiatives aimed at promoting civil debate, aiming for at least 5 new initiatives per year.
Supports the development of a respectful and open academic environment.

Diversity of Guest Speakers
Monitor the diversity of guest speakers invited to discuss free speech and academic freedom, aiming for at least 50% from underrepresented groups.
Ensures a broad range of perspectives and promotes inclusivity in discussions.

Feedback on Policy
Collect annual feedback from staff and students on their experiences aiming for a 75% response rate.
Provides valuable input on the practical challenges and successes of the policy in practice.

Incident Resolution Time
Measure the average time taken to resolve incidents related to free speech or academic freedom.
Provides insight into the efficiency of the institution’s response to policy breaches and disputes.