What is Freedom of Speech?
Freedom of Speech is the right to express views and ideas freely, without fear of interference or persecution: it is an essential part of democracy. Respectful debate and conversation help to challenge discrimination, intolerant and harmful attitudes, and build strong communities. The University has a duty to take steps to secure freedom of speech under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.
Freedom of speech covers anything within the law: it can be spoken word, written material or in other forms of expression. This includes lawful speech that may be offensive, shocking, or hurtful for some. Speech that amounts to unlawful harassment or unlawful discrimination does not constitute free speech within the law and is not protected.
“The core mission of universities and colleges is the pursuit of knowledge, and the principles of free speech and academic freedom are fundamental to this purpose. They provide a necessary context for advancing new ideas, encouraging productive debate and challenging conventional wisdom.” Office for Students, 2024.
Restricting someone’s freedom of speech takes away their right to express views and ideas freely. Respectful debate and conversation help to challenge discrimination, intolerant and harmful attitudes and build strong communities whilst developing knowledge. Reporting incidents where freedom of speech has been restricted allows the university to better understand and deal with what is happening.
What support is available from BCU if I think Freedom of Speech has been restricted?
Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999. If you are on campus and need additional support, you can call Security on 0121 331 6969, they are available 24/7.
If you have experienced, or you know someone who has experienced restricted Freedom of Speech it can be helpful to talk about this with someone you trust. You can speak to the University Mental Health & Wellbeing Team, who have trained advisors to support students at BCU. The Mental Health & Wellbeing team are available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
You can also choose to speak to the Student Support Centre or to your personal tutor for support and guidance.
BCU’s wellbeing app is an online support service that can be accessed by BCU students and staff for free. There are self-help resources and information on anxiety, stress, managing emotions and building confidence readily available.
Extenuating Circumstances. If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened, you can consider applying for extenuating circumstances.
If you are a member of staff, you can contact People and Culture, your HR partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you. Staff members can also utilise the Employee Assistance Programme. If you are a member of a trade union, you may be able to access further support by getting in touch with them directly. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team provides advice, support and guidance on equality, diversity and inclusion related issues to academic advisors and other staff in student-supporting roles.
If you are worried or concerned about someone else, find out more about how you can help them.
What support is available externally if I think Freedom of Speech has been restricted?
- Amnesty provides information on freedom of expression.
- Free Speech Union provide information on freedom of speech, freedom of expression, academic freedom, freedom of the press and freedom of religion. They provide support for people looking for information or guidance.
- English Pen provides information on free speech in the UK.
- Liberty provides information on freedom of expression.
- Call the Samaritans Helpline on 116 123 (open 24/7, 365 days a year)
- Look at the NHS guidance on 5 steps to positive mental wellbeing.
- Access some self-help resources available on iCity.
Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, seek help and support from one of the above services.
Where can I report concerns about Freedom of Speech?
You can raise these concerns through Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can submit a report with your contact details. If you choose to report with contact details, an advisor will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence. You can report an incident no matter where it took place.
If you choose to make a formal complaint [LW1] to the University about a student or member of staff, there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- For students: Student Complaints Procedure, this is dealt with by Student Governance.
- For staff: Grievance Policy, this is dealt with by People and Culture.
If you are worried or concerned about someone else, find out more about how you can help them.
If you would like to submit information on a support service you think might help others, please contact us.