Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech

Southampton Solent University strongly believes that freedom of speech is fundamental to university life, and that all students are entitled to study in an environment that values open debate and where they can hold or discuss lawful views.

As a student, your viewpoints should not affect any aspect of your time at university, whether that’s an admission decision, in teaching and assessment, or in exercising your right to peaceful protest or demonstration.

Equally, the University expects you to respect the rights of freedom of speech of others. There may times at university where you encounter viewpoints with which you disagree or find offensive. Providing those views are within the law, the speaker has the right to freedom of speech to express those views.

Not all speech is within the law. Incitement to violence or harassment, unlawful discrimination, racial or religious hatred, or public disorder are not within the law and the University has a duty to take action where an individual expresses speech that is unlawful.

The University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech explains in detail those rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and sets out:

• our values in relation to freedom of speech

• what constitutes lawful and unlawful speech

• the University’s duties regarding free speech

• the process for organising events and speakers

• what happens where there are breaches of the Code

• how we balance our commitment to free speech with our duty to provide a healthy and safe environment.

For further information visit the student Freedom of Speech page, or read the Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech.