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Freedom of speech
Freedom of Speech
At the University of Kent, we believe that freedom of speech is a fundamental principle that democratic societies are built upon. It serves to underpin the free exchange of ideas, open debate, critical inquiry, intellectual development, and the pursuit of truth.
As a leading education and research institution, we are fully committed to the principles, and to the promotion, of academic freedom and freedom of speech, and aspire to create an environment and culture on campus where diverse ideas and opinions can be freely exchanged - including those which might be considered challenging or uncomfortable.
We further recognise that the University has a duty to protect the wellbeing and dignity of our community, which includes our students, our staff members, and visitors to the institution.
To ensure we are appropriately balancing these responsibilities, our Code of Practice outlines the scope, key concepts, and steps we take to secure and promote Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom. It outlines both the legislative framework which the university operates within, as well as making clear the procedures through which meetings and events will be supported.
Joint Standing Committee on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression (SCAFFE)
Since May 2024, the University of Kent has coordinated the Joint Standing Committee on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.
This group - comprised of representatives from the University Council, members of Senate, elected officers from Kent Students’ Union, Academics, and Professional Services staff members - has had responsibility for developing and reviewing our Code of Practice, and for supporting the delivery and understanding of the importance of academic freedom and free expression and its significance as a guiding value of University culture.
In addition to the development of policy, the committee has also continued to monitor sectoral developments in terms of free speech - seeking out and reflecting on examples of good practice and sector experience in regards matters of academic freedom and freedom of expression. It has also reviewed communications from external bodies such as the Office for Students to propose actions and recommendations.
Furthermore, the committee is working to deliver events to continue to highlight the importance of free speech and create opportunities for the community to get together to discuss and debate these crucial matters.
Keynote lecture
The University is currently in the process of organising our first Free Speech and Academic Freedom public lecture featuring prominent guest speakers. More details of this will follow.
