UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON CODE OF PRACTICE ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH
INTRODUCTION
1. UCL has a long tradition of safeguarding freedom of speech. UCL is committed to upholding
academic freedom of enquiry in its teaching and research and to ensuring that free and open
discussion can take place in an atmosphere of tolerance. The key aim of UCL policies is the
creation of an environment on and off campus that permits freedom of speech and expression
within a framework of respect for the rights of others. These are included in codes of practice,
policies and procedures that students agree to comply with on commencement of their
studies.
2. The Education Act (No 2) 1986 (the “Act”) enshrines a positive and proactive legal duty on
universities (Section 43) to promote and protect freedom of speech on campus, and states
that the only constraints on the duty to secure freedom of speech are those imposed by the
law. It is therefore for the law, not for institutions, to set limitations.
3. This duty includes a responsibility to ensure that the use of University premises is not denied
to any individual or group on the grounds of the belief or views of that individual or any
member of that group or on the grounds of the policy or objectives of the group.
4. This does not mean, however, that the right to freedom of expression is unfettered. It is
limited, for example, by laws for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, to protect
national security and public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, and to prevent the
disclosure of information received in confidence.
5. Universities do not function in a vacuum, and wider conflicts and disputes, for example
involving ethnicity or religious faith, may sometimes find expression on campus amongst the
student body or other constituencies. The challenge for UCL is to identify when the pursuit of
freedom of ideas and expression crosses a threshold and becomes unlawful or poses
unacceptable risks to the health, safety or welfare of employees, students or visitors.
PURPOSE
6. The following Code of Practice has been enacted to ensure that as far as reasonably
practicable, freedom of speech within the law is secured for members, students and
employees of the University as well as for visiting speakers.
AUTHORITY
7. UCL Council authorises the Registrar and Head of Student & Registry Services to act on its
behalf to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that all members of the University (staff
and students), and all visiting speakers, comply with the provisions of this Code of Practice.
SCOPE
8. The provisions of the Code apply to all staff, students and visitors to UCL and to any other
person in attendance at any meeting or other function, which has been duly authorised to take
LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
