Freedom of speech at Aston University

Find out more about how we celebrate freedom of speech and academic freedom.

At Aston University, we celebrate the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and we are committed to protecting and upholding these rights within the law.

‘Freedom of speech’ means everyone has the right to express lawful views and opinions freely, without interference.

‘Academic freedom’ means protecting the intellectual independence of academics to question and test received views and wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in danger of losing their jobs or privileges or reducing the likelihood of them securing promotion or different roles at the University.

Our Code of Practice sets out the University’s duty to secure and promote freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law for students, staff, members of the University, visitors to campus and visiting speakers. This duty applies to everything we do, whether on or off campus, whether in person or online.

Our Code of Practice also sets out the principles to be applied and the procedure to be followed in relation to the planning and facilitation of events.

Find out more about our freedom of speech policy below.

Your freedom of speech rights

Why are freedom of speech and academic freedom so important?

We recognise that freedom of speech and academic freedom are essential for advancing new ideas, encouraging productive debate and challenging conventional wisdom which are fundamental to our mission to be the UK’s leading university for science, technology and enterprise.

As such, Aston affords a very high level of protection for the lawful expression of a viewpoint and for speech in an academic context.

How do we secure and promote freedom of speech and academic freedom at Aston?

While on University premises or engaged in University events, everyone is expected to:

Observe and uphold the principles of freedom of speech and academic freedom, and
Show respect and tolerance towards the expression of ideas, opinions and beliefs of others, even if they are contrary to their own and even if they are shocking, disturbing or offensive.

We are committed to taking all steps that are reasonably practical to uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom, including:

Being thorough and fair in our events approval processes, and flexible in our approach to mitigating the risks associated with controversial events to ensure that freedom of speech and academic freedom can prevail.
Taking disciplinary action as necessary and appropriate if a student or staff member fails to show respect and tolerance towards the expression of ideas, opinions and beliefs of others.

Aston also has a duty to maintain safety and good order on its premises. Whilst we stand for the widest possible definition of free speech, we will not tolerate unlawful speech or behaviour such as:

Acts intended or likely to provoke violence or stir up hatred.
Views, ideas or opinions which are expressed in a manner which amounts to harassment or discrimination.

Challenges

The University recognises that in addition to its duties under the Freedom of Speech (Higher Education) Act, it has duties and obligations under Prevent legislation and the Equality Act.

Whilst each of these duties are not inherently incompatible, the University recognises that there could be tension between these duties which will require thoughtful and measured responses. The University will navigate these challenges to the best of its ability, assessing risk proportionately and balancing the rights and responsibilities of all involved.

We commit to giving a very high level of protection for the lawful expression of a viewpoint and for speech in an academic context. To fulfil its duties, the University strives to accurately distinguish between unlawful speech, and speech which is lawful, albeit offensive, extremist or harmful.

However, anyone can make a complaint if you think we have got it wrong.

Students should make Free Speech Complaints under the Student Complaints Procedure.
Members of staff should raise Free Speech Complaints under the Grievance Policy.
Any other person, organisation or group who wishes to make a Free Speech Complaints should do so using the public whistleblowing complaint form.

Organising Events at Aston

Aston has a duty to ensure that all students, staff and Visiting Speakers can use our premises for events without any infringement on their rights of freedom of speech or academic freedom.

Our Code of Practice and Events Planning Procedure set out the principles we will apply when deciding if an event can or cannot go ahead, or if there need to be specific conditions or terms of use for our premises. It explains the circumstances in which we will pass on security costs to event organisers and what type of conduct we expect from participants at events.

Making a Freedom of Speech complaint

We commit to giving a very high level of protection for the lawful expression of a viewpoint and for speech in an academic context. However, anyone can make a complaint if you think we have got it wrong.

Students should make Free Speech Complaints under the Student Complaints Procedure.

Members of staff should raise Free Speech Complaints under the Grievance Policy.

Any other person, organisation or group who wishes to make a Free Speech Complaints should do so using the public whistleblowing complaint form.