Welcome to the Student Union, where freedom of speech isn't just a principle, but a cornerstone of Birkbeck. Freedom of speech is vital for learning and encouraging critical thinking. Every voice has the opportunity to be heard, As we champion the values of inclusivity, tolerance, and intellectual freedom. Students can get their voices heard in many ways, whether through Student Parliament, Representatives, Societies, Elections, Debates or through our many research projects.
Student Union Freedom of Speech Policy
1.1 Birkbeck Students’ Union recognizes that freedom of speech is a fundamental right essential to the pursuit of knowledge. As such, the Student Union is committed to fostering an environment where all members can express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas freely and respectfully.
1.2 In actively promoting freedom of speech, the Student Union will work closely with our University, which are separate legal entities, but which are subject to clear legal expectations about the protection of freedom of speech when hosting events on University property.
1.3 Staff employed at Birkbeck Students’ Union should be aware of this policy and its principles.
1.4 Our approach to ensuring freedom of speech within the law will be based on the following principles:
a) Freedom of speech is at the heart of all democratic societies and a foundation stone of higher education.
b) The Student Union upholds the principle that all members, including students, staff, and faculty, have the right to express themselves freely, without fear of censorship or reprisal.
c) Freedom of speech encompasses a wide range of expression, including but not limited to verbal, written, artistic, and symbolic forms of communication.
d) The Student Union recognizes that freedom of speech may sometimes result in the expression of ideas or opinions that are controversial, offensive, or challenging. However, such expression should not be prohibited solely based on causing discomfort or disagreement.
e) While affirming the right to freedom of speech, the Student Union emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all members.
1.5 Student Union will comply with the University's Freedom of Speech policy, Freedom of Speech Act (2023), and any other legal legislation relating.
1.6 Student Union Policies, Procedures, and Code of Conduct must be adhered to by members, staff, and those attending Student Union events.
1.7 Freedom of Speech (2023) Section A5 will be displayed on the Union's website.
1.8 Student Union Freedom of Speech policy will be reviewed at the Annual General Meeting once a year.
Freedom of Speech A5 (Freedom of Speech 2023)
A5 Duty to take steps to secure freedom of speech
(1)A students’ union for students at a registered higher education provider that is eligible for financial support must take the steps that, having particular regard to the importance of freedom of speech, are reasonably practicable for it to take in order to achieve the objective in subsection (2).
(2)That objective is securing freedom of speech within the law for—
(a)members of the students’ union,
(b)students of the provider,
(c)staff of the students’ union,
(d)staff and members of the provider and of its constituent institutions, and
(e)visiting speakers.
(3)The objective in subsection (2) includes securing that—
(a)the use of any premises occupied by the students’ union is not denied to any individual or body on grounds specified in subsection (4),
(b)the terms on which such premises are provided are not to any extent based on such grounds, and
(c)affiliation to the students’ union is not denied to any student society on grounds specified in subsection (4)(b).
(4)The grounds referred to in subsection (3) are—
(a)in relation to an individual, their ideas or opinions;
(b)in relation to a society or other body, its policy or objectives or the ideas or opinions of any of its members.
(5)In order to achieve the objective in subsection (2), a students’ union for students at a registered higher education provider that is eligible for financial support must secure that, apart from in exceptional circumstances, use by any individual or body of premises occupied by the students’ union is not on terms that require the individual or body to bear some or all of the costs of security relating to their use of the premises.