Raising concerns about freedom of speech and academic freedom, particularly involving an external speaker, is a means of exercising the freedom of speech within the law. Therefore, we support raising concerns, which we distinguish from a free speech complaint.
However, raising concerns requires a careful balance between respecting freedom of speech and academic freedom, and addressing the concerns raised. Therefore, we provide a Guide to Raising Concerns about Free Speech.
You can raise a free speech concern by writing to freespeech@canterbury.ac.uk.
University Free Speech Complaints Scheme
The Free Speech Complaints Scheme outlines the arrangements we adopted to handle free speech complaints relating to complaints about events occurring on or after 1 August 2024.
The aim is to facilitate a respectful, equitable, and timely resolution of free speech complaints while upholding the principle of free speech and lawful expression of opinions.
Who can make a free speech complaint?
An eligible person can make a free speech complaint, which we define as:
- Current students and former students where the matter complained about occurred when registered at the University.
- Current staff members and former staff where the matter complained about occurred when employed at the University.
- A person who has applied to become a member of academic staff.
- Individuals who were, or invited, to be external and visiting speakers at the University; it does not include a person who wanted or requested an invitation to speak but was not invited.
You can raise a free speech complaint by writing to freespeech@canterbury.ac.uk.
Definition of a free speech complaint
A free speech complaint is a complaint made by an eligible person who:
- claims that the person making the complaint has suffered adverse consequences (which need not be financial) as a result of action or inaction of the University; and
- claims that (or give rise to a) question whether the action or inaction was a breach of the University’s free speech duty
Prompt Process Resolution
The University will seek the resolution of a free speech complaint as expediently as possible, consistent with ensuring fairness and justice.
The Procedure sets out the steps we would take to ensure timely resolution.
Principles of impartiality and fairness
We will address free speech complaints impartially, fairly and without bias. By addressing complaints impartially, we evaluate each complaint based solely on the facts presented, favouring no party or allowing external influences to affect judgment.
The Procedure outlines the procedures to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest.
Restriction on vexations or frivolous complaints
The University will not engage in or encourage free speech complaints without substantial merit or would represent investigations into inconsequential matters, particularly if the lawful expression of opinions motivates such complaints.
The procedure demarcates the bounds of acceptable complaints and investigations, firmly excluding actions based on the lawful articulation of viewpoints.
Office for Students free speech complaints scheme
The Office for Students (OfS) operates a free speech complaints scheme. Under that scheme, the OfS can review complaints about free speech from members, students, staff, applicants for academic posts and (actual or invited) visiting speakers. Information about the complaints that the OfS can review is available on its website.