Cambridge University votes to safeguard free speech

A vote on free speech at Cambridge University has strongly rejected guidelines requiring opinions to be “respectful” – after warnings this could limit freedom of expression.

Instead the policy on free speech will support “tolerance” of differing views.

The proposed rules would have required staff, students and visiting speakers to remain “respectful” of the views and “identities” of others.

But there were claims this would block controversial ideas and debates.

The university’s governing body, the Regent House, has voted by a big majority in support of amendments from those worried about a threat to academic freedom, introducing a commitment to “tolerance” rather than “respect”.

The revised wording on free speech ensures the right to express “controversial or unpopular opinions within the law, without fear of intolerance or discrimination”.

The guidelines, adopted after the vote, will expect “staff, students and visitors to be tolerant of the differing opinions of others”.

There is also an assertion of the need to hear from outside speakers, even if controversial, as long as they remain within the law.

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