Academic freedom and freedom of speech sit at the heart of the UK’s higher education sector. They are critical to driving forward research and innovation, as well as providing students with the opportunity to think critically and engage with different perspectives. Without them, universities would not be able to fulfil one of their most essential aims: the advancement of understanding and pursuit of truth. We take our responsibility to protect and promote both freedom of speech and academic freedom seriously.
Freedom of speech means everyone has the right to express lawful views and opinions freely, in speech or in writing, without interference. Academic freedom means protecting:
The intellectual independence of academics to question and test received views and wisdom
The right for academics to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without endangering their jobs, privilages or likelihood of securing promotion to a different role at the university.
The Code of Practice explains how we plan for and manage events where there is a risk that freedom of speech or academic freedom are compromised, such as a protest or disruption. Our primary aim is always to determine how we can facilitate events taking place safely and legally and we work with organisers to support any mitigating actions required.
The BU Prevent Policy has been updated to reflect the updated Prevent Duty guidance, which has been simplified into one document for all education settings, creating greater consistency in the core expectations, whilst still acknowledging differences between education phases. There is a welcome acknowledgement that universities should continue to understand their Prevent Duty requirements as part of their wider approach to student and staff wellbeing. The revised guidance came into effect on 31 December 2023. We will review it, and any further guidance from the Office for Students, to ensure we remain compliant with all requirements.
