Policy on Public Statements by the University

In this Policy we draw a distinction between:

• Issues that the University will corporately (i.e. as an institution and on behalf of the institution), take a position on (and may additionally offer support) (positions)
• Issues that the University will not take a corporate position on but will offer pastoral support to its members (support)
• Issues the University will not respond to in a corporate way (no response)

The nature of each response, and indeed the decision on whether to respond at all, will need to be considered in the full context of each emerging issue. The University will never have the capacity to respond to all issues. Indeed, over-response runs the risk of diminishing the impact of those responses that are made.

Reasons for making statements need to be balanced with the potential chilling effect on free speech of positions being taken. Powerful formal or informal voices, advancing particular positions, risks implying to other members of the University that differing views would not be welcome or permissible.

The University will seek to respond swiftly to matters and this may mean there is not always time to consult widely. Individuals or groups are free to reply to comments and positions in keeping with the University’s normal arrangements for freedom of expression.

The University may opt to take a position on issues at a local (within Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands region, or London), national or international level.  The University will only comment on issues where it is credible and qualified to do so, and where a statement may have a material impact.

These matters would generally fall into four categories:

• Where the matters relate directly to our reasonable expectations of staff or students (e.g. anti-social behaviour, drink spiking)
• Issues where the Government, Office for Students or similar had appropriately directed us (for example in relation to certain notices during Covid)
• Issues where the University would have clear standing because of the direct relevance of the issue to its interests (e.g. international student mobility, higher education funding)
• Incidents of unambiguous, unlawful (UK law would generally be the test) behaviour against individuals or groups, particularly, although not exclusively, on the basis of their race, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion/belief, disability or age, and where the absence of a position clearly, significantly and evidently risks harm to members of our community (e.g. the murder of Sarah Everard, racist rioting, the murders of the Nottingham University students). Generally this category would involve publicly commenting on activity or views that fell so far below what one might reasonably expect in a democratic society, that it would be unworthy of respect.

The University can offer pastoral support and sympathy to our staff and students without taking a political position on an issue. These might include:

• Health-related outbreaks.
• Natural disasters (e.g. drought, famine, floods, tsunamis and other extreme weather events, earthquakes, landslides).
• Large-scale accidents.
• Global conflicts and wars.
• Speech which may offend but is not unlawful.

When the University makes a public comment on these types of issues, it would not normally side with one group over another. We acknowledge in a university community there may be strong views on these matters, but those views are likely to be contested. The University will not arbitrate on such matters. We would, however, provide information directing students and staff affected to appropriate sources of support, and where appropriate facilitate debate and discussion.

Given the vast array of challenges in the world, it will not be appropriate (for practical, resource or other reasons) for the University to respond to everything. Most issues therefore are likely to pass without comment, noting the University’s support structures remain available.

University responses

Corporate institutional responses will either be unattributed or in the name of a senior member of staff on behalf of the University, typically the Vice-Chancellor or the Chief Operating Officer.

Other individuals cannot issue formal statements on behalf of the University.

The corporate University will be responsible for the content of messages. While the University may consult with an individual or network/group about the statement, no individual or group will be placed under pressure to contribute to a formal statement if they would feel uncomfortable doing so (unless it is their professional role to do so).

Responses from individuals, networks and groups

Sometimes, depending on the nature of the incident, it may be appropriate for a comment to be made by an individual or the leadership/members of relevant staff groups, should they want to.

Anyone considering issuing comments should call on appropriate sections of the University for advice and guidance (namely the Corporate Communications  and/or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Services teams) and can work with the relevant Staff Network Champion from the University Leadership Group.

Any such statements must make it clear who it is from (i.e. not the corporate University) and if stating it is from a network, ensure it has the broad support of that network or which part of the network it does have the support of (e.g. the committee)).

The staff network handbook provides separate guidance where a group wish to issue a statement in relation to any matter. Groups should pay particular attention to how to manage feedback [Guidance to follow].

Statements should not be unlawful (including unlawful discrimination) or defamatory. Nor should they seek to chill legitimate freedom of expression or be in direct conflict with the legitimate activities of other members of the University community. Staff must also be aware of the IT Acceptable Use Policy when developing any response. They are also advised of the University’s Social Media Guidelines.

The University will not generally be responsible for posts made by individuals or groups within the University (although the University reserves the right to act where students or employees post inappropriate comments). However, as the University is responsible for the content published on its website and in its premises, there will be some limited circumstances where it would look to remove the publication of a blog, content on the staff group pages or display material on noticeboards or office spaces. This would be rare, for example where the publication of the content causes the University to be in breach of the law.

The free exchange of lawful views is the cornerstone of a free democratic society and a functioning academic environment.

The University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Expression applies to statements made by the University, informal and formal staff or student groups, and individuals. In relation to statements made under this guidance note, it is important to consider whether such statements, when approved or issued:

• Are lawful free expression;
• Respect the freedom of expression of the author; and
• Does not have the effect of chilling or limiting another’s freedom of expression.

Approaches that do not respect these principles mean the statement/expression could be withdrawn and in extreme cases (e.g. hate speech) the perpetrators face disciplinary sanction.

This Policy is owned by University Council and its effective operation overseen by the University Executive Board. It was last approved on 27 March 2025. At its meeting of 27 March Council asked the Secretary to convene an ad hoc group to monitor its early implementation, six months from that meeting.

The Policy will be next reviewed in March 2028.