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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29 April 2026 News

29 April 2026 News

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:
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.
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.
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.
20 May 2024 Publications

20 May 2024 Publications

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.
6 March 2024 Publications

6 March 2024 Publications

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.
22 February 2024 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

22 February 2024 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill briefing, February 2024

Latest briefing on the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill circulated to peers ahead of second reading on 20 February 2024.
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.
4 July 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

4 July 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill - Second Reading

This briefing provides a short summary of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required at Second Reading.
1 June 2023 News

1 June 2023 News

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.
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?

Freedom of speech

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