Freedom of speech
Our employees and students are our most valuable assets. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment that reflects our values, promotes equity, diversity and inclusion, and supports wellbeing and health.
It is an environment where everyone has the freedom to contribute and flourish based upon their merits, abilities and potential.
Integral to higher education is the acquisition and expansion of knowledge through exposure to, and critical exploration of, a wide range of views, opinions, and perspectives. Our University is a place where different ideas and voices can be explored, questioned and challenged, including views which may be shocking, disturbing or offensive.
Freedom of speech and academic freedom are given a high level of protection under UK law. This policy aims to secure these rights through providing an environment for respectful disagreement, exchange and exploration of diverse viewpoint, and intellectual engagement with sensitive or controversial issues is enabled but unacceptable behaviours, such as bullying and harassment, are not tolerated.
The University has obligations under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 to secure and promote freedom of speech and academic freedom. The University and Leeds University Union’s joint position is outlined in the Freedom of Expression Policy and Code of Practice.
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
We are committed to ensuring our community feels safe, valued and heard. As such, the University does not and will not use NDAs in relation to cases of sexual harassment, abuse or misconduct.
The University of Leeds is a signatory of the Can't Buy My Silence universities pledge.
Visiting speaker and event procedures
In almost all situations, events or speakers (within the law) will be supported to occur as planned. Occasionally however we may need to amend the event slightly (for instance to change the location or time of the event), to ensure that respectful debate and challenge can go ahead.
If you have any questions about University events, please email Governance and Compliance at governance@leeds.ac.uk.
Freedom of speech complaints process
Students
If, as a student, you believe that your rights to freedom of speech have been infringed, please try to gain informal resolution by speaking to the area of the University involved.
If you are dissatisfied by the response to informal resolution, or would like to make a formal complaint, follow the students complaints process.
Staff and other individuals
Current or former members of University staff, applicants for academic posts at the University, actual or prospective visiting speakers, honorary, emeritus or other non-student members of the University community and other individuals directly affected by a matter arising from the University's duties under the Freedom of Expression Policy, should email Governance and Compliance at governance@leeds.ac.uk for the freedom of speech complaints process and form.
If you still feel dissatisfied by this response from the University, you can escalate to the Office for Students freedom of speech complaints process.