Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

Our Freedom of Speech Statement

The University of East London is committed to being an inclusive University where all members of our community demonstrate mutual respect and tolerance for each other.

Challenge and debate are central to the pursuit of knowledge within universities.  We understand that debate can sometimes be uncomfortable for individuals and groups, and we want our students and staff to have healthy (and sometimes challenging) debates, whilst nurturing in staff and students the skills and resilience needed throughout their careers.

We also have a legal duty to uphold Freedom of Speech in compliance with the legislation and the Articles of Government. Our Articles of Government require that steps are taken to ensure that freedom of speech is secured as far as practically possible and within the boundary of the law for staff, students, members and visiting speakers.

The Freedom of Speech Code of Practice further explains our legal responsibilities and the scope of responsibility in complying with UEL policies, statutory obligations and the law.

Freedom of Speech Code of Practice

Definitions

UEL has adopted the Universities UK definitions of freedom of speech and academic freedom. Although often used interchangeably they are different terms that relate to each other. 

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, 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 approach

Our approach to Freedom of Speech is one of transparency and support.

A Freedom of Speech Advisory Group has been set up and includes representatives from academic, legal, governance, People and Culture and student service departments. The UEL Students’ Union is also represented.

The role of the Advisory Group is to:

  • Have oversight of an action plan and its implementation, ensuring compliance with our legal duties and responsibilities to our staff, students and external speakers.
  • Review relevant policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements and that support and guidance are provided to the university community.
  • Have oversight to ensure that appropriate training is made available for staff.

External speakers, events and room bookings

UEL commits to ensuring the use of the University premises is not denied to any individual or body of individuals on any grounds connected with their beliefs or views, of their policy or objectives, within the law.

Events and Booking On-Campus Speakers Policy

Making a Freedom of Speech complaint

We are committed to protecting lawful freedom of speech and academic freedom for all members of our community, including students, staff, visiting speakers, and external participants.

If you believe your freedom of speech rights have been restricted, interfered with, or unlawfully limited by the University, you can raise a complaint through the following routes:

  • Current and former students should use the Student Complaints Procedure.
  • Staff members should refer to the Staff Grievance Policy.
  • Visiting speakers, external attendees, or members of the public can email the University at fos@uel.ac.uk with details of their concern. This will be reviewed by our Freedom of Speech Advisory Group.

Students who, after completing the internal procedure, remain dissatisfied with the outcome can make a complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA). Details of how to do this are set out within the Student Complaints Procedure. The OIA is free and independent and more information can be found on their website.

Students, staff, or members of the public can raise a notification with the Office for Students if they consider that the University is not meeting its obligations relating to free speech and academic freedom.  More information on this is available on the Office for Students - Raising concerns about free speech webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do we mean by freedom of speech and academic freedom? 

UEL has adopted the following definitions of freedom of speech and academic freedom. Although often used interchangeably they are different terms that relate to each other.

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, 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.

What is the difference between academic freedom and freedom of speech in practice?

Academic Freedom is a specific provision for academics alone. It means that the career of academics must not be prejudiced by the right to express lawful free speech connected to their subjects. Academics must be able to conduct research and issue their findings without fear of repercussion. Academic Freedom is an additional protection not an additional right, academic speech must still be speech within the law.

How is the University protecting Freedom of Speech?

The University has issued a statement on free speech which sets out the steps that are taken to ensure that freedom of speech is secured as far as practically possible and within the boundary of the law for staff, students, members and visiting speakers.

The Freedom of Speech Code of Practice further explains our legal responsibilities and the scope of responsibility in complying with UEL policies, statutory obligations and the law. 

Training is given to students and staff through Moodle and face to face briefings. Freedom of speech is promoted throughout the University experience.

When and where does the Code of Practice apply?

The Code of Practice applies to a range of university activities, including meetings, events and demonstrations, and in teaching and research settings. For meetings, events and demonstrations, the Code of Practice applies to:

  • all events, demonstrations, protests and other events organised by a member of staff or student of the University
  • events organised by individuals or groups using the University name, funding or facilities.

It is particularly relevant to the following activities (although this list is not exhaustive):

  • events with a visiting speaker;
  • public meetings, arranged internally or externally, and held physically or virtually;
  • demonstrations, protests or marches on campus.

Does Freedom of Speech apply in-person and online?

Yes, freedom of speech applies to every manner of communication.

What happens if I post something on social media that others find offensive?

Freedom of speech protects your right to express an opinion even if it offends others. However, if offence becomes harassment, it will become unlawful and there may be consequences including disciplinary action. Speech or expression which breaches the law is never protected.

How can I make a complaint about something related to freedom of speech?

The University’s statement on free speech (above on this page) explains how complaints will be dealt with.


More detailed FAQs are available on our Freedom of Speech FAQs page.

Contact us

For any questions in relation to freedom of speech and academic freedom, please contact fos@uel.ac.uk.

Students and staff who need support regarding freedom of speech can also contact the University Secretary directly at j.benson@uel.ac.uk.  

Further information