Working Group

The Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression Working Group was established by the University in 2023 to consider how we can best support these principles across our staff and student community.  

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A close up of a women writing in a book

The Working Group ensures that we are considering the most up-to-date thinking in this area, and that we are supporting our staff and students to exercise their right to academic freedom or freedom of expression lawfully within a culture of mutual respect. 

The group’s aims are:  

  • For a broad cross-section of the university community to re-affirm academic freedom and freedom of expression as a key democratic value and privilege of all academics.

  • To help our students develop the knowledge and skills to exercise leadership and participation in society’s contested spaces.  

  • To ensure a legislatively up-to-date, transparent and supportive set of policies and procedures that facilitate academic freedom and freedom of expression while fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.    

These aims agreed by the University Executive will evolve as the Working Group continues to engage and understand the perspectives of our diverse University community.

The Working Group does not engage in decisions relating to specific events or debates on campus, nor in managing concerns or complaints regarding these.  

Get in touch with the Working Group by emailing acfreedom.workinggroup@ed.ac.uk