Freedom of Speech
Understand your rights and responsibilities in relation to freedom of speech at the University.
Respectful disagreement and freedom of speech
The University actively supports members of our student community to exercise their right to freedom of expression and to protest on issues that matter to them. Our policies serve to protect peaceful protest and other forms of activism on campus. As an institution of education and research, the University is a place where different views are held, and different opinions are routinely expressed. Open-minded inquiry, encountering challenging ideas and respectful disagreement are part of the fabric of the University.
While we support your right to peaceful protest and to express your ideas and political views, such rights and freedoms come with shared responsibilities to respect and uphold the rights of others in the University and the broader community. These rights and responsibilities are outlined in our Freedom of Speech Policy, Academic Freedom of Expression Policy, Student Conduct Policy, Student Charter and our Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy. All students and staff have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with the policies that apply to them.
The University does not support the exercise of freedom of speech when it prevents other members of the community from participating fully in University life or constitutes actions or behaviours that vilify others or incite violence or intimidation. These behaviours have no place at our University.
Unacceptable conduct
All members of the University community are entitled to expect protection and to feel safe on campus. Our policies are designed to offer that protection and reassurance to everyone.
The University will not tolerate any form of racism or violence on our campuses or within our communities.
Examples of actions or behaviours that may breach our policies include, but are not limited to:
- Unreasonable disruption or forced cancellation of classes or events
- Infringing the rights of others to participate in activities
- Blocking access to buildings or activities
- Causing damage to University property
- Posing a risk to others’ safety and wellbeing
- Subjecting others to disrespectful, aggressive, intimidating or harassing behaviour
- Vilifying an individual on their own or as part of a group
- Taking photographs, video or audio recordings of classes without express permission from the supervising staff member and the written permission of any identifiable individual.
Such actions or behaviours may be subject to disciplinary processes under the University’s Student Conduct Policy. Students enacting their rights of freedom of speech should familiarise themselves with this policy.
Students found to have breached this policy may be subject to a range of consequences such as warnings, formal reprimands, restrictions to campus access, enrolment suspensions or expulsion from the University.
In order to observe and maintain public order, Victoria Police may choose to attend campus at any time.
Our policies
As communicated to all students in March, the University’s policies provide the framework for ensuring that the university operates fairly and in accordance with the law. Our policies also provide the basis for addressing actions or behaviour that adversely affect other members of the University community.
The following resources outline our policies and student and staff responsibilities:
- Student Charter
- Student Conduct Policy
- Freedom of Speech Policy
- Academic Freedom of Expression Policy
- Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy
Seek support when you need it
Staff and students impacted by unacceptable behaviour on campus are encouraged to raise concerns or seek support.
- Safer Community: if you ever have concerns for your safety, please contact our Safer Community program
- University Security: for urgent assistance, contact University Security
- Student support services: explore our student health and wellbeing digital hub, including available 24/7 support
- Staff support services: find out about support for staff
- Social media use: Read our guidelines for appropriate behaviour on social media.
Making a complaint
Students or staff wishing to make a formal complaint about the behaviour or actions of another member of the University community are encouraged to use the following channels:
- Students wishing to make a complaint: Student complaints and grievances
- Staff wishing to make a complaint: Complaints (Staff Hub login required)
If you would like to discuss your concerns before submitting a complaint, please reach out to the Safer Community Program.