Freedom of expression

The College’s approach to making statements

From time to time the College is asked to make statements on geopolitical or humanitarian events. Its approach at such times is guided by the following set of principles and practices:

• The Provost leads on ensuring that any statement is developed with due process, consulting as widely as is possible under the relevant circumstances.
• The College’s intention, in deciding when or how to act, is to fulfil its purpose as a place of education and research and, as part of doing so, to have regard to the wellbeing of its students and staff and the cohesion of its community.
• It should not make purely “political” statements.
• It should have regard to the consideration that the most effective way that the College can respond to external political and humanitarian events is through its research and its educational activities, both on its own and as part of the collegiate University. 
• The College should be mindful that making public written statements is only one of a range of potential responses to such events.
• It may be more valuable to hold face to face discussions with potentially affected groups, to communicate or engage in other ways that reflect the nature of the College’s communities and environment and, in some instances, to take or facilitate practical and local action.   
• The College must resist pressures to act rapidly and without sufficient evidence gathering and reflection, even where it may be uncomfortable to do so.
• The College must, to the extent possible in the context, seek out the voices of staff and students, including those who may not initially be loudest. 
• Any statement made should be respectful of, and ultimately derive from, the College’s values of the pursuit of academic excellence, freedom of expression within the law and within a framework of robust civility, and fostering a sense of community and inclusiveness. 
• It must take care in the formulation of any statements, so they as well reasoned and well written as might be expected of an institution with high academic standards.  
• The College is committed to ensuring that, within the bounds set by law, all voices or views which any member of our community considers relevant should be given a fair hearing, it shall always be open to any member of College to propose to the Provost that a statement in the name of the College should be made. For the same reason, it shall also always be open to any member of College to oppose the making of a statement.     
• Individual members of College making public statements must make it clear that they make them in their personal capacity and are not speaking in the name of the College.   

By contrast, in the case of providing information and support to students and staff in the context of unexpected events that potentially affect any of them, the College will communicate as rapidly as is needed. For example, this might include reminding students of sources of help and support if they are personally affected, or of taking practical action as needed. Where possible, consistent with the value the College places on individual human relationships and circumstances, such communication will be through existing relationships such as those between students and tutors, or the welfare team.