London Metropolitan University is committed to upholding academic freedom for all involved in its educational and research activities. The University’s Board Regulations commit us to ensuring that staff, whilst engaged in teaching and research in accordance with their terms and conditions and service, 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 privileges.
The Office for Students stipulates that all staff and students are entitled to teach, learn and research in a culture that values rigorous debate. This is especially true in relation on contentious or discomforting topics.
This agreement defines the principles and responsibilities associated with academic freedom, fostering an environment of open inquiry, intellectual exploration, and respectful discourse.
Key Aspects of Academic Freedom
- Freedom of expression: Staff and students can express their opinions openly within legal boundaries.
- Academic inquiry and innovation: Individuals can develop and pursue new ideas, even those challenging established norms, while adhering to research integrity principles.
- Unhindered academic duties: Staff can perform their duties without discrimination or interference, even in potentially controversial areas.
- Curricular involvement: Academic staff have a significant role in shaping curricula, ensuring it aligns with national and international human rights standards.
Responsibilities in Academic Freedom
Tolerance and respect: All members of the University community must respect diverse viewpoints and engage in constructive academic debate.
- Ethical conduct: Teaching and research must uphold ethical and professional standards, prioritising the pursuit of knowledge and truth.
- Fairness and equity: Educational and research practices should treat all staff and students with dignity and respect.
- Research ethics: The University is committed to ensuring the highest possible ethical standards in the research conducted by its staff and students.
- University's authority: The University retains the right to make reasonable decisions regarding academic activities.
Policy Framework
This agreement draws upon various external and internal policies to define and support academic freedom, including:
External:
- The expectations of the Office for Students Regulatory Framework, particularly the public interest governance principles on academic freedom and freedom of speech.
- The Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
- The Education Acts 1986 and 1988.
- The Human Rights Act 1996.
- The Equality Act 2010.
- The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023
Internal:
- The University’s Strategic Plan.
- The University’s Freedom of Speech Code of Practice (Approved June 2023).
- The University’s Social Media Policy.
- The University’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies and commitments.
- The University’s Student Partnership Agreement and Student Protection Plan.
- The University’s Disciplinary Procedure and Grievance Procedure.
- The University’s Safeguarding Policy.
How the University monitors compliance
The University monitors compliance with all of the public interest principles via a sub-committee of Board of Governors, which annually receives a compliance report for review, and provides assurance to the Board.
The Academic Board, as the senior academic body of the University (and subject to the general control and approval of the Board), is responsible for academic standards and the direction and regulation of academic matters, with a clear responsibility for upholding and promoting free speech and academic freedom.
Review and Updates
The agreement will be regularly reviewed by the Academic Board to ensure its relevance and adaptability to the evolving higher education landscape.