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Freedom of Expression and Speech Position Statement - University of London

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Freedom of Expression and Speech Position Statement - University of London

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philipg3575
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Approved by Collegiate Council 5 July 2019

Freedom of Expression & Speech position statement


International Declaration by Universities on Freedom of Expression
As an international group of universities, we have a strong and longstanding commitment to
the values of freedom of expression. The environment of rigorous inquiry that is critical to the
very function of universities as centres of intellectual challenge and discovery is being debated
in our diverse jurisdictions. There are some who argue that freedom of expression in
universities is being inhibited through regulation, policies, practices and culture, conversely
there are others who suggest that such freedoms need to be regulated to protect individuals
and communities from offensive or controversial content.

Through this declaration we, the undersigned universities, affirm our


commitment to freedom of expression.

We define freedom of expression as a broad concept that includes free speech, the freedom to
engage in lawful protest and academic freedom. In taking such a position on free speech we
acknowledge that the laws of the state may pose various constraints on speakers and topics
and that by necessity we must operate within those laws. We also acknowledge that some
ideas may cause offense to our students, staff and alumni. In such circumstances it is
legitimate for students, staff and alumni to exercise their freedom to protest, but again such
protest must be within the law and respect the principle of free speech. Within this context
academic staff have a responsibility to contribute to debate and advance knowledge by
ensuring they engage with debates that they are qualified to contribute to.

There will be times when aspects of this definition will be in tension with one another. The role
of each university signatory is to manage these tensions with an overriding commitment to
protect freedom of expression within the law. In a time of contestation universities have a
unique role to foster and debate the free exchange of ideas – facilitating how such
conversations happen is a more urgent question than ever.

To support this commitment, we will:

1. Formulate and publish institutional statements on freedom of expression that uphold


this declaration, taking into account context of our diverse jurisdictions;
2. Share good practice between our institutions on how to operationalise policies and
statements, through both regular dialogue and online resources;
3. Promote our commitment to Freedom of Expression on Campus through public
dialogue, engagement and education.

The University of London, and its Member Institutions, are fully committed to the principle, and
to the promotion, of freedom of expression within the law and the vast majority of our events
occur without incident.

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Approved by Collegiate Council 5 July 2019

We believe an active speaker programme is fundamental to the academic and other activities
of the University and Member Institutions, and we encourage staff and students to invite a
wide range of speakers and to engage critically but respectfully with debate at events.

Contentious discussion and robust debate within the law is encouraged and universities should
be the space for this to occur. The lawful expression of controversial or unpopular views does
not constitute reasonable grounds for withholding permission for an event and as such, the
University and Member Institutions do not unreasonably refuse to allow events to be held on
its premises.

Some speakers may prompt protest; freedom of expression means freedom to support an idea
and to protest against it.

With freedom comes responsibility. It is the responsibility of protesters and supporters to act
lawfully and peacefully. It is the responsibility of the University and Member Institutions to
enable lawful and peaceful protest, and take action when it is not. Only in this way can we
ensure that lawful freedom of expression is secured for all. *

Agreed by:

• Birkbeck College
• City, University of London
• Courtauld Institute of Art
• Goldsmiths' College
• The Institute of Cancer Research: Royal Cancer Hospital
• King's College London
• London Business School
• The London School of Economics and Political Science
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Queen Mary University of London
• Royal Academy of Music
• The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
• Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
• The Royal Veterinary College
• St George's Hospital Medical School
• The School of Oriental and African Studies
• UCL
• University of London

* Further detail is available within each Member Institution’s policy, procedure and code of
practice.

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