As the academic year commences we’re working hard to make sure our campuses are safe and welcoming for all, and recently wrote to the leaders of our affiliated student representative groups about our expectations of behaviour as they undertake their roles. 

We agree a university’s purpose is to foster critical thinking, discussion and debate and believe legitimate criticism can be valuable and necessary – however we consider criticism directed at a person, rather than their position on an issue, to be unhelpful and potentially unlawful depending on the type of criticism and the way it is conveyed. For example, any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination is clearly unacceptable: this is the point we were seeking to make.

In line with our Student Charter and Charter of Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech we respect the ability of our students to express their opinions and political views consistent with our policies and codes – and also expect them to treat others with respect regardless of gender, religion, race, sexuality or disability.

We have clarified this point with our student representative bodies.