Free speech is the freedom to impart ideas, opinions or information through speech, writing or images.
The purpose of higher education is the pursuit of knowledge and having the freedom to challenge conventional wisdom. The ability to freely express opinions and ideas is essential in a research and learning environment. To debate and innovate the free exchange of ideas is paramount, and the University is proud to uphold these ideals and does so through our Freedom of Speech Code of Practice. In the event of any conflict between the Freedom of Speech Code of Practice and our other policies and procedures, the Freedom of Speech Code of Practice will take precedence.
Universities must secure free speech for all students, staff and visitors. The University of Greenwich is committed to academic freedom; to ensuring Freedom of Speech within the law for students, staff and visiting speakers; and to ensuring that the use of our premises is not denied to any individual or group on any ground connected with their ideas or opinions, or the policy or objectives of the group or the ideas and opinions of any of its members.
Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom include the right to express views which others may find shocking, upsetting or offensive, provided the views expressed are lawful. However, these rights to academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute - they are freedoms within the law. Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech may not be exercised if in so doing it breaks the law or breaches the rights of others (e.g. if its expression constitutes unlawful discrimination or harassment or presents a risk to physical safety).
Under the Higher Education Freedom of Speech Act and related guidance issued by the Office for Students (OfS), shocking, offensive or hurtful speech is permissible. It is not permitted for such speech to become bullying, harassment, discrimination or hate speech. Learning experiences may include exposure to course material, discussions or speakers’ views that some may find offensive or unacceptable, and this is unlikely to be considered harassment under the Equality Act 2010.
In line with the OfS’s requirements on universities on harassment and sexual misconduct, when investigating allegations of harassment or sexual misconduct, we will have particular regard to, and place significant weight on, the importance of freedom of speech within the law, academic freedom and tolerance for controversial views in an educational context or environment. In particular, we will assume that the exposure of students to course materials, and statements made and views expressed by a person as part of teaching, research or discussions about any subject matter that is connected with the content of a course, are unlikely to constitute harassment, unless it is otherwise demonstrated that these matters do in fact amount to harassment.
Views expressed during debate and discussion may be shocking, offensive or hurtful, even if they are lawful and permissible within the university. We recognise that this can have an impact on people, especially if related to a person's identity or beliefs. While this type of offensive or hurtful speech wouldn’t be investigated by the university or any other complaints process, such as the Office for the Independent Adjudicator, we still recognise the impact such debates may have. We encourage those impacted by offensive or hurtful speech to seek support should you need to.
Find out more:
Freedom of Speech | About the university | University of Greenwich
Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct | About the university | University of Greenwich