Freedom of speech and academic freedom

Our commitment to free speech

Canterbury Christ Church University strongly endorses and promotes freedom of speech and academic freedom as part of our Mission and Values. It is enshrined in the University’s Articles of Association (Article 92). Free speech supports an environment for innovation, critical thinking, and scholarly engagement.

Freedom of speech empowers all individuals to express their opinions and ideas openly without interference, provided these expressions are within the law.

Academic freedom safeguards academics’ intellectual autonomy, enabling them to explore, question, and introduce new or contentious ideas within the law without fear of negative repercussions affecting their employment or careers.

Our Code of Practice on free speech

We set out our commitment to these principles in our Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech and External Speakers, which emphasises the very high level of importance we attach to lawful free speech in expressing a viewpoint as foundational to a university.

View our Code of Practice.

Supporting a diversity of perspectives

We support individuals’ right to express their views freely within the law to encourage a diversity of perspectives within the University, even when controversial or contested.

We recognise that free speech within the law may include speech that some find offensive.

We expect those attending University events to be respectful of others’ differing opinions in the interest of open debate.

We integrate the free speech principles into our operational and policy-related activities to create an environment where we can promote different viewpoints while respecting the person.

We recognise the role of protest as a form of valid expression, provided it does not obstruct the free exchange of ideas, incite hatred or unlawful harassment or put individuals’ health and safety at risk.

Addressing concerns and complaints

We have an internal process to address eligible complaints about free speech and a separate process for raising concerns about events. Read our free speech complaints and concerns process.