Cambridge University votes to preserve free speech
10 December 2020, 00:03
Cambridge University has voted to uphold its commitment to free speech after a row about inviting controversial figures to speak at the institution.
Over 7,000 members of the university's governing body - Regent House - have backed three amendments to Cambridge's statement on freedom of speech after concerns were raised about demanding respect for opposing views.
The proposed rules would have required staff, students and visitors at the university to be "respectful" of the views and "diverse identities" of others.
But opponents of the draft statement warned that calling for respect could undermine academic freedom at the university and stifle views deemed to be disrespectful on a variety of subjects.
Actor Stephen Fry was among the alumni and academics with concerns about the changes, saying that it could lead to those with hurtful views to "demand" respect for a different opinion.
The majority (86.9%) of members on the university's governing body, the Regent House, voted to revise the wording in the freedom of speech guidelines from "respect" to "tolerate".
The revised statement, which will be implemented following the ballot, also highlights that any speaker who has been invited to speak at the university "must not be stopped from doing so" as long as they remain within the law.
Vice-chancellor Professor Stephen Toope told reporters welcomed the decision to uphold the University's values.
He said: "I welcome the result of the vote by the Regent House today which is an emphatic reaffirmation of free speech in our University.
"The University will now implement the amended statement and this marks the conclusion of the democratic decision-making process on this matter.
"I would like to thank my colleagues who proposed the amendments that have now been agreed by the University’s governing body.
He added: "Freedom of speech is a right that sits at the heart of the University. This statement is a robust defence of that right.
"The University will always be a place where anyone can express new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, and where those views can be robustly challenged.
"The statement also makes it clear that is unacceptable to censor or disinvite speakers whose views are lawful but may be seen as controversial.
"Rigorous debate is fundamental to the pursuit of academic excellence and the University of Cambridge will always be a place where freedom of speech is not only protected but strongly encouraged."
