Guide to freedom of speech and academic freedom
Find information and guidance on the University of Sheffield’s commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom
The University’s commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom
Freedom of speech and academic freedom are fundamental to the University of Sheffield’s research, teaching and other academic activities. These enable our staff and students to test the truth of the ideas that shape society, to explain important social and natural phenomena, to challenge how the world around us is understood, and to deliver our charitable objects to advance education and research. The University also has legal and regulatory duties to promote and protect freedom of speech and academic freedom.
We are committed to promoting and protecting freedom of speech within the law. We will continue to foster an environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas, including those with the capacity to cause discomfort. This means that–as part of their work, studies, and membership of a diverse community that promotes free speech within the law–staff and students at the University should expect from time to time to confront ideas that they may find challenging, and perhaps even shocking or disturbing.
Nothing in this commitment excuses abuse, bullying, discrimination, harassment, hatred, intimidation, violence or any act prohibited by law.
We are equally committed to academic freedom. This means that all academics at the University of Sheffield can question and test received views and wisdom, and 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.
This commitment goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to academic rigour and integrity, which recognises that not all ideas are equally valuable, not all ideas are based on fact and evidence, and not all ideas are worthy of equal attention. We differentiate between ideas which are and are not worthy of significant academic scrutiny through our academic staff exercising due rigour in their teaching and research, supported by peer review, and by the University's wider work to maintain and enhance academic standards.
Guidance for visiting speakers: Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom
Universities have been under a legal duty to protect freedom of speech for many years. This duty has been strengthened by the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, with universities now required to promote as well as protect freedom of speech and academic freedom.
The Code of Practice articulates our values around freedom of speech and academic freedom and outlines steps that we take to promote and protect free speech and academic freedom. It also includes (at Annex A) our Visiting Speaker Policy.
This Policy explains our general expectation that all visiting speakers will be facilitated to speak on campus to share their views, ideas and opinions. It also outlines the exceptional circumstances where it may be reasonable for the University to conclude that this general expectation does not apply. An example would be where the views likely to be expressed by a speaker will be contrary to the law.
The Code of Practice applies to all members, staff and students of the University and visiting speakers and all other persons invited to or otherwise lawfully on the University’s premises.
The Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom and visiting speaker approval procedure is available to read on the University web pages under Ethical Governance.
The Code of Practice applies to all education, research, knowledge exchange and innovation and other activities held at, in the name of, and/or in association with the University. This includes:
- Events, meetings and activities held either on the University’s premises.
- Events, meetings and activities organised by or in association with the University that are held on other premises.
- Events taking place (wholly or partially) online and/or in other ‘virtual’ spaces in the name of or in association with the University.
Office for Students: Free Speech Complaints Scheme
From 1 August 2024, a new Free Speech Complaints Scheme will be operated by the Office for Students (OfS), the regulator for higher education in England.
A student, staff member, member of the University or visiting speaker will be able to make a complaint to the OfS if the individual believes that they have suffered adverse consequences (financial or non-financial) due to the actions or inactions of the University in relation to its free speech duties.
A consultation on the exact nature of the complaints scheme has recently closed. This web page will be updated when full details of the complaints scheme are known.