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Governance and Compliance Division

 

Approved by the University Council on 2 March 2020 (updated version approved 18 December 2020)

The University of Cambridge:

  1. is fully committed to the right of freedom of speech as a fundamental aspect of University life;

  2. takes account of the statutory frameworks within which freedom of speech must or may be circumscribed, but will not obstruct speech that is lawful;

  3. encourages its staff, students and visitors to engage in robust, challenging, evidence-based and civil debate as a core part of academic enquiry and wider University activity, even if they find the viewpoints expressed to be disagreeable, unwelcome or distasteful;

  4. expects its staff, students and visitors to be tolerant of the differing opinions of others, in line with the University’s core value of freedom of expression;

  5. expects its staff, students and visitors to be tolerant of the diverse identities of others, in line with the University’s core value of freedom from discrimination;

  6. expects that neither speakers nor listeners should have reasonable grounds to feel censored or intimidated; and

  7. has issued, and keeps under review, a University Statement on Freedom of Speech, a Code of Practice on Meetings and Public Gatherings on University Premises, and related Guidance for Booking Meetings and Events, which together set out the University’s detailed policy framework and operational procedures for the management of issues relating to the exercise of the right to freedom of speech.