Freedom of speech

Free speech helps students develop new ideas. It also drives innovation. But promoting this freedom while protecting staff and student safety can be challenging. We offer universities guidance on how to make space for different views while tackling harassment and discrimination.

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7 December 2022 Explainer

7 December 2022 Explainer

What’s really happening with free speech at universities?

We've tackled some of the myths about free speech and academic freedom at UK universities.
21 November 2025 News

21 November 2025 News

UUK responds to the OfS's Regulatory advice 24: Guidance related to freedom of speech

Our reply to the OfS’s recently published Regulatory advice 24: Guidance related to freedom of speech.
29 April 2026 Freedom of speech

29 April 2026 Freedom of speech

Universities UK responds to ruling over University of Sussex free speech challenge

Responding to the University of Sussex winning its appeal against the Office for Students over a record fine and ruling it had infringed on lawful freedom of speech, Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK said:
17 March 2023 Podcasts

17 March 2023 Podcasts

Podcast: Are universities protecting free speech?

It's easy to talk about the need to promote free speech and academic freedom. But how do universities actually protect free speech day-to-day?
1 June 2023 Media releases

1 June 2023 Media releases

Our statement on the appointment of Professor Arif Ahmed MBE as Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the OfS

In response to the appointment of Professor Arif Ahmed MBE as Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the OfS.
6 March 2024 Teaching, learning and quality

6 March 2024 Teaching, learning and quality

Our responses to Office for Students consultations on free speech

We’ve responded to the Office for Students (OfS) consultations on their free speech complaints scheme and the regulation of students’ unions in relation to freedom of speech.
20 May 2024 Teaching, learning and quality

20 May 2024 Teaching, learning and quality

Our response to the Office for Students’ consultation on free speech regulatory advice

We’ve responded to the Office for Students (OfS) consultation on their proposed regulatory advice and other matters relating to freedom of speech.
9 September 2024 Publications

9 September 2024 Publications

Our joint letter with NUS on tackling antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of racism

This joint letter outlines our efforts to tackle hate speech and racism, to alleviate fear, to improve community relations and to protect freedom of speech.
2 October 2023 Publications

2 October 2023 Publications

How can universities prepare for the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act?

Our briefing to support Universities UK (UUK) members ahead of the implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act.
28 July 2025 Opinion

28 July 2025 Opinion

How are universities supporting community cohesion in and beyond higher education?

Policy Adviser Beth Cooper shares insights gained from sector leaders and community organisations on how universities can support community cohesion in times of social division and escalating global conflicts.
12 December 2024 Case study

12 December 2024 Case study

How are universities protecting freedom of speech and academic freedom?

Policy Adviser Beth Cooper shares findings from a survey on freedom of speech and academic freedom.
31 October 2022 News

31 October 2022 News

Higher education sector statement on promoting academic freedom and free speech

This statement, co-signed by organisations across the sector, reaffirms our commitment to upholding and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom.

Freedom of speech

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