Freedom of Expression Policy
Freedom of Expression Policy
The University of Leeds is proud of our commitment to securing and promoting freedom of expression and academic freedom, reflecting our values of collaboration, compassion, inclusivity and integrity. Our University is a place where different ideas and voices can be explored, questioned and challenged, including views which may be shocking, disturbing or offensive.
Freedom of speech and academic freedom are given a high level of protection under UK law. This Policy aims to secure these rights through providing an environment for respectful disagreement, exchange and exploration of diverse viewpoints, to enable critical thinking and to maintain academic integrity here at Leeds.
The Policy sets out how we enable freedom of expression within the law across our activities – including in debate, teaching, research, speaker events and peaceful protests and demonstrations - whilst also maintaining a supportive environment where unlawful speech or unacceptable behaviour, such as intimidation, hatred, harassment or bullying, are not tolerated.
The University also supports freedom of expression through processes for managing events, speakers and demonstrations, along with guidance and training, and details of how concerns or complaints relating to freedom of expression can be raised.
What is freedom of expression?
- We define freedom of expression as including the spoken and written word, as well as actions, gestures and the display of images intended to show meaning. References in this Policy to ‘freedom of expression’ also includes ‘freedom of speech’.
What is Academic Freedom ?
- Academic freedom (as set out in our Statutes) gives members of the University, the freedom, within the law, to carry out teaching and research, including the publication of the outcomes of research, in a way which questions and tests established ideas and received wisdom, and presents controversial or unpopular points of view, without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or any privileges they may have at the University.
Visiting Speaker and Event Procedures
- University event organisers should follow the Events Health and Safety Procedures flowchart to organise their event, and where appropriate produce a risk assessment in line with this.
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The University will support lawful events and speakers to go ahead. They will not be stopped simply because they may attract protests or be deemed controversial or offensive. Occasionally however, we may need to amend the event slightly (for instance to change the location or time of the event), to ensure that respectful debate and challenge can go ahead, and that if there any protests expected, they can be managed effectively.
- If you have any questions please seek advice from [email protected].
Freedom of Speech Complaints Process
- If a student believes that their rights to freedom of speech have been infringed, please follow the Students Complaints Process
- If a current or former member of University staff, applicant for an academic post at the University, actual or prospective visiting speaker, honorary, emeritus or other non-student member of the University community, or other individual directly affected by a matter arising from the University's duties under the Freedom of Expression Policy, believes that their rights to freedom of speech have been infringed:
- The first step is to gain informal resolution by speaking to the area of the University involved.
- If you are dissatisfied by the response to this informal resolution, or if you would like to make a formal complaint, email [email protected] for the Freedom of Speech complaints process and form.
- Complaints will be considered, investigated as appropriate and the findings shared as soon as possible.
- If you feel dissatisfied by the University response to this process, you can escalate to the Office for Students complaints process for freedom of speech.
Questions or feedback on freedom of expression matters
If you have any further questions or feedback on freedom of expression matters including event approvals, complaints or policy interpretation, please contact [email protected]
Freedom of Expression Policy - pdf