Free Speech and Academic Freedom, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: setting institutional positions

This is an event aimed at PVCs and Directors of EDI. There has been increasing interest in how institutions can ensure that their EDI activity – and their Equality Charters work in particular – positively aligns with and supports their efforts in promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom. Advance HE is hosting this event with Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education, Shakespeare Martineau, to support senior leaders at universities who hold responsibility for EDI and free speech to set their institutional positions. Universities have a significant role to play in championing freedom of speech and academic freedom within their institutions, and the promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and good relations between different groups. In doing so, universities strive to foster an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance and to create an environment that encourages the free exchange of lawful ideas and perspectives, while also promoting fairness and equality for all. Advance HE is publishing new guidance for institutions, providing a mechanism to support universities so that Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom can be appropriately considered and embedded through the Athena Swan and Race Equality Charters.