Common use of Freedom of Speech Clause in Contracts

Freedom of Speech. The role of universities in ensuring free speech is reinforced in two pieces of legislation in the UK: 1. The 1986 Education Action states that: “persons concerned in the government of any establishment...shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that freedom of speech within the law is secured for members, students and employees of the establishment and for visiting speakers.” The University will not, therefore, as far as is reasonably practicable, deny access to its premises or platforms to individuals or bodies on the basis of their beliefs, views, or policies. 2. The Equality Act 2010 covers the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. The associated public sector equality duty requires universities, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to: • eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited under the Act; • advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not share it; • xxxxxx good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not share it. The University expects students, staff, governors, the Students’ Unions and visitors to ensure that freedom of speech within the law is assured. Whilst there is no legal prohibition in the UK on offending others, the University, nevertheless, believes that discussion that is open and honest can take place only if offensive or unnecessarily provocative action and language is avoided. Students, staff, governors, the Students’ Unions and visiting speakers are, therefore, required to demonstrate sensitivity to the diversity of the University community, and to show others respect. The University has a Code of Practice with which it expects its staff and student to comply. This can be found at: xxxx://xxx.xxxxxx.xx.xx/news/events/freedomofspeechpolicy/