Policy on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech

1. In accordance with the duties imposed upon it by Section 4.2 of the College Law 2019, the Trustees of the College have instituted the following Policy to ensure that the College can promote academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law for members of the College (including the Staff/and Students of the College) and for external speakers invited to make use of College facilities.

2. The Christ the Redeemer College is fully committed to promoting an environment in which intense inquiry and informed argument generates lasting ideas, and where members of its community have a responsibility both to challenge and to listen fully.

3. The College Law Section 1.3e provides that academic staff, other workers and students shall have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or priviledges.

4. In order to give expression to this commitment, so far as is reasonably practicable, access to the premises of the College shall not be denied to any registered student or employee of the College or to any individual or body of persons invited to the premises of the College by a registered student or employee of the College on any grounds relating to the beliefs or views of that registered student, employee or person so invited except insofar as the expression of such belief, views, policies or objectives shall be unlawful, and where it is reasonably anticipated that the unlawful expression of such beliefs, views, policies or objectives might occur on the relevant occasion.

5. However, this commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law is not absolute. In addition to affirming the College’s commitment to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law, this policy also specifies circumstances in which academic freedom and freedom of speech might properly be restricted.

6. The College may itself apply restrictions in circumstances where they are necessary for the College under the college Law or to safeguard the safety, health
and welfare of its registered students, employees and other persons lawfully upon the premises or engaged in activities associated with the College.

7. Just as the College will not restrict debate or deliberation simply because the views being expressed might be considered unwise or even offensive, so it also
expects members of the College community to show commitment to this same principle by not obstructing or interfering with the rights of others to express views with which they might disagree profoundly.

8. In order to give expression to this policy, the College shall develop a set of procedures, Codes of Practice and guidelines that will specify the arrangements to
be applied. These shall include: Information Security Policy, External Speaker Policy, IT Acceptable Use Policy

Title: Academic Freedom Policy
Approved with reference to: QAA Quality Code.
Version: 2022.1. Approved: August 2022. Implementation from: September 2022. Next review:September 2024.
Approving body: Academic Board. Member of staff responsible: Compliance and HR Manager