Free Speech and Academic Freedom at the University of Nottingham
Freedom of speech and the free exchange of ideas are central to the University of Nottingham’s mission of advancing truth, knowledge, and understanding. Pursuit of these aims requires free and open enquiry within the law, including the airing of ideas or perspectives which may be unpopular or cause offence. This is especially important given that many ideas which were previously regarded as deeply controversial or offensive are now widely accepted. Thus, a commitment to freedom of speech must apply to challenging or unpopular ideas as well as ideas about which there is broad consensus.
The University commits to protecting and promoting free speech and academic freedom so that students and staff can become acquainted with new information and ideas and with diverse viewpoints. The University provides an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages civil and peaceful debate, one in which students and staff can challenge their own and others’ beliefs and opinions and scrutinise these on their merits. This commitment reflects the University’s core values of inclusivity, ambition, openness, fairness, and respect, and it is consistent with its legal responsibility to protect and promote free speech and academic freedom as detailed in the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.
Promoting free speech and supporting people
We will support students to develop the skills to engage critically with new ideas, seeking to prepare them for the challenges they will face during their studies and after they have graduated.
At the same time, we will continue to engage with, and provide an environment and infrastructure to support, both speakers and those who may object to a speaker or are for whatever reason concerned or offended by them.
Freedom of expression applies to all who wish to seek, receive, or impart information and ideas of all kinds, and includes the right to protest peacefully; protest is itself a legitimate expression of freedom of speech.
In seeking to protect and promote the freedom of speech of its staff and students, the University will take appropriate measures, in accordance with the terms of this statement, to assist staff and students whose freedom of speech is threatened. We prioritise the wellbeing of our staff and students and provide a range of services designed to support them whilst working and studying at the University.
Academic freedom
The University is also committed to protecting and promoting academic freedom, as detailed in the University Statutes. Statute 9 specifically states that academic staff at Nottingham have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves at risk of losing their jobs or privileges at the University or the likelihood of their securing promotion or different jobs at the University being reduced.
A commitment to academic freedom does not mean that every claim or viewpoint is equally worthwhile; some views will not stand up to academic scrutiny. Whenever possible, all ideas should be open to questioning and open to being challenged by rational argument, supported by relevant evidence.
Views expressed by staff and students that are contrary to the values of the University, but nonetheless lawful, must never be presented as if they were endorsed by the University.
The University is not a public square
The University is a staunch defender and promoter of free speech, but it is not a public square, and it is not obliged to provide speaking opportunities to anyone or to everyone that desires one. As a scholarly institution, the University confers authority and legitimacy on the views which are attached to it and provides an audience for the speakers it hosts.
Staff and students making decisions about inviting speakers to the University should always carefully assess whether the interests of the University community would be better served by inviting other speakers to join the debate for the purposes of providing challenge.
Civil debate within the law
It must equally be recognised that a commitment to protect and promote freedom of speech and academic freedom does not require tolerance of abuse, threats, incitement to violence, hatred, discrimination, or other unlawful acts. The Equality Act 2010 protects people from direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the basis of protected characteristics.
In exercising freedom of speech and academic freedom, we must each be mindful of the potential to cause harm and of our own accountability.
The University’s policies are designed to ensure that debates, whether about controversial ideas or otherwise, are inclusive, peaceful and civil. Participants in these debates should not be intimidated or censored, nor should they intimidate or censor others.
These commitments inform all of the University of Nottingham’s specific policies that have implications for the freedom of speech and academic freedom. Whilst it is recognised that it can be difficult in practice to balance competing rights and obligations, this statement provides a framework for any decision-making on behalf of the University that may have implications for the freedom of speech, which should always take into account relevant domestic and international standards.
which should always take into account relevant domestic and international standards.
The University is committed to keeping these policies and other parts of the regulatory framework under constant review, in particular as to how they are being applied in practice. The University will also revise and develop these policies transparently and in consultation with the wider University community.
Version 1.3
Revised following consultation during May 2021
Approved by Senate 8 June 2021
Edited to correct a grammatical error 30 June 2021
Updated January 2023 following the passing of the Higher Education (Freedom Of Speech) Act 2023
Reviewed and updated in March 2024
Updated June 2025 following the decision of the Government to implement some elements of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.
Additional Information
University policies and other reference points
The University Strategy including the statement on University values can be found here.
Academic Freedom is addressed in the Statutes of the University, which are, after the Royal Charter, the highest level of University regulations. The statement on academic freedom, enshrined in Statute 9, will be updated to bring it in line with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. The updated statement will be agreed by Council and submitted for approval to the Privy Council.
The Code of Practice on Free Speech and Academic Freedom sets out the University’s approach to protecting and promoting free speech and academic freedom. The Code seeks to take steps which are reasonably practicable to ensure that freedom of speech within the law is secured for members, students and employees of the University and for visiting speakers. The Code of Practice has been developed in light of the implementation of parts, not all, of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. The Code of Practice has been approved by the University Executive Board. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable that all members, students and employees of the University, and visiting speakers, comply with the provisions of the Code.
The Free Speech web pages provide further information, including guidance on how to disagree well and a selection of suggested further reading and resources.
The Prevent Duty, which came into force for universities in September 2015 as part of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, places legal requirements on the University to minimise the risk of individuals being drawn into terrorism and to ensure vulnerable individuals receive timely and appropriate support. The University has processes and policies in place to comply with the duty, including the provision of training and arrangements for events / visiting speakers as detailed above.
The University’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion policy can be found here along with additional information intended to ensure all staff, students and University representatives feel safe, included, and supported to be their very best in all that they do.
The University’s Social Media Code of Practice for staff and students can be found here.
The University’s approach to dignity, harassment and bullying can be found in the Dignity at Nottingham page. Additionally there is information available to students on expected standards of behaviour, including in relation to social media use, here.
Staff disciplinary procedures are set out in the Human Resources web pages.
The Student Code of Conduct (non-academic) is in place to ensure that good standards of communal life are maintained at the University of Nottingham. It stipulates that students are required to show respect for all members and property of the University and wider community and to behave in a manner that does not interfere with the proper functioning and activities of the University.