Freedom of Speech is a core value for any democratic and civic organisation such as Salford SU.
One of the main ways in which we set out our commitment to freedom of speech is through our Code of Practice. This aligns to the University’s Freedom of Speech Code of Practice, although has some important differences.
Events and Visiting Speakers
The Freedom of Speech Code of Practice outlines how external speakers must be submitted to the Students' Union for approval in advance of them being invited to speak at the University. This gives us enough time to review the application and discuss any additional measures that may need to be put in place for the event to go ahead.
If you do not adhere to these timelines the students' union and/or University may withhold their permission.
No surprises
There are some topics that are controversial, that are normally religious or political in nature. In an academic environment it is important for these topics to be discussed, even if they are controversial, as long as they do not breach any other law (including harassment and bullying) or seriously threaten campus cohesion.
We therefore operate a ‘no surprises’ policy where we request that students notify us when controversial statements and acts are to be made at any event. This is so that others who may be impacted by these statements can be notified and their wellbeing considered.
This is about how we deal with sensitive topics and conversations, and helps us to manage our role both as a facilitator of debate on campus, as well as to foster campus cohesion. The aim is to facilitate communication and disagreement between student groups, before it becomes argumentative.
Bullying, Harassment and Campus Cohesion
The Students' Union has a duty to maintain safety and good order on its premises, and to ensure that offences are not committed at events under its remit. The Students' Union wholeheartedly supports an environment in which all staff and students are treated with respect and in which a zero-tolerance approach is taken towards bullying, harassment or discrimination.
This is in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, as well as the Human Rights Act 1998, and our responsibilities to uphold our reputation as a Registered Charity (number 1189354).
Protests
Salford SU, alongside the University, actively supports Salford students who wish to protest, as long as they do so peacefully, within the law, and with a view to maintaining campus cohesion.
Salford SU, alongside the University, actively supports Salford students who wish to protest, as long as they do so peacefully, within the law, and with a view to maintaining campus cohesion.
We have created a guide in partnership (available for download) with the University to facilitate students who wish to protest. Please get in touch with us if you wish to discuss it.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you wish to organise a protest on campus by e-mailing students-union@salford.ac.uk.
Not a public square
That said, the University and the Students' Union are not a ‘public square’ and we do not have to grant access to anyone who wishes to speak. This is further detailed in the Code of Practice.
Complaints
Complaints regarding Freedom of Speech, guest speakers, protests etc can be addressed through our standard complaints process.