We uphold freedom of speech within the law, as outlined in the University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech
Free, open and robust discussion is essential to our academic community. However, such a culture can only be maintained when all participants engage with each other in ways which may be critical but which are courteous. The University does not tolerate harassment or victimisation in any form. We expect all members of the University community, as well as visitors and contractors, to treat each other with respect, courtesy, and consideration. Please refer to the University policy on harassment.
The University is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality and which values diversity. The University has a responsibility to maintain a safe, effective, and welcoming environment for all our students, staff, and visitors.
A demonstration or protest will fall within the University’s procedures for meetings and events (as set out in section 6 of the Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech). As such organizers must contact the Proctors Office in advance, following the procedure set out in the Code, and a risk assessment will be required. The Proctors have a duty to facilitate protests and will work with organisers to ensure that protests can take place but do not violate the University Statutes and hence result in disciplinary procedures. The Proctors can be contacted through deputy.marshal@proctors.ox.ac.uk.
University members participating in protests are required to identify themselves to University officials when requested to do so. Failure to do so is a breach of Statute XI which all students with a contract to study at Oxford must abide by.
Students will face disciplinary investigation if the University Statutes are breached. The following extract from Statute XI are examples of clauses in the Statutes which are relevant to protests:
No member of the University shall in a university context intentionally or recklessly:
(a) disrupt or attempt to disrupt teaching or study or research or the administrative, sporting, social, cultural, or other activities of the University;
(b) disrupt or attempt to disrupt the lawful exercise of freedom of speech by members, student members, and employees of the University or by visiting speakers;
(c) obstruct or attempt to obstruct any officer, employee, or agent of the University in the performance of his or her duties;
(d) deface, damage, or destroy or attempt to deface, damage or destroy any property of the University or any college or any other individual or knowingly misappropriate such property;
(e) occupy or use or attempt to occupy or use any property or facilities of the University or of any college except as may be expressly or impliedly authorised by the university or college authorities concerned;
(g) engage in action which is likely to cause injury or to impair safety;
(h) engage in violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening, or offensive behaviour or language;
(j) disobey a reasonable instruction given within their authority by one of the Proctors or their deputies;
(k) refuse to disclose his or her name and other relevant details to an officer or an employee or agent of the University or of any college in circumstances where it is reasonable to require that that information be given;
Contravening any Statute may lead to the following possible consequences, under which the University may:
(a) issue the student member with a written warning;
(b) require the student member to attend a programme of education;
(c) require the student member to enter a temporary or permanent restriction on contact with a named individual or individuals;
(d) impose a fine of such amount as it thinks fit;
(e) suspend the student member’s access to or exclude the student member from University accommodation or require the student member to move to other University accommodation (subject to the terms of the student member’s lease);
(f) order the student member to pay compensation to any individual or body suffering injury, damage, or loss as a result of the student member’s conduct;
(g) issue directions in relation to the future provision of references for the student member;
(h) make an order banning the student member from specified University premises or facilities for such period or on such terms as it thinks fit;
(i) subject to endorsement by the relevant college, make an order banning the student member from specified college premises or facilities for such period or on such terms as it thinks fit;
(j) suspend the student member for such period as it thinks fit.
In addition to actions that the University may take under its Statutes, unauthorised occupation of University land or buildings may lead to legal action including the University issuing court possession proceedings or exercising its common law power of removal.
Page last updated: Wednesday 25 September 2024
