It enables the pursuit of knowledge. It helps us approach truth. It allows students, teachers and researchers to become better acquainted with the variety of beliefs, theories and opinions in the world. Recognising the vital importance of free expression for the life of the mind, a university may make rules concerning the conduct of debate but should never prevent speech that is lawful.
Inevitably, this will mean that members of the University are confronted with views that some find unsettling, extreme or offensive. The University must therefore foster freedom of expression within a framework of robust civility. Not all theories deserve equal respect. A university values expertise and intellectual achievement as well as openness. But, within the bounds set by law, all voices or views which any member of our community considers relevant should be given the chance of a hearing. Wherever possible, they should also be exposed to evidence, questioning and argument. As an integral part of this commitment to freedom of expression, we will take steps to ensure that all such exchanges happen peacefully. With appropriate regulation of the time, place and manner of events, neither speakers nor listeners should have any reasonable grounds to feel intimidated or censored.
It is this understanding of the central importance and specific roles of free speech in a university that underlies the detailed procedures of the University of Oxford.
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New Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech
After a collegiate University-wide consultation, the University has now published a Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech in July 2024.
The new Code reflects the statement above, and amalgamates and replaces the University’s Code of Practice on Meetings and Events, It does not change the University’s pre-existing position that freedom of speech and academic freedom are central tenets of university life and must be robustly protected.
The Code also reflects the requirements of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech), which was due to come into force from 1 August 2024. On Friday 26 July, 2024 the incoming Secretary of State for Education announced that further commencement of the Act would be stopped in order to consider options, including its repeal, and that long-term plans would be confirmed as soon as possible.
The University’s new Code of Practice continues to be in place, but will be reviewed in light of further information from Government, and updated accordingly.
More information for members of the University is available on the Staff Gateway.
