The objective of this policy is to establish a framework that serves Victorian, Australian and international communities and the public interest by promoting critical and free enquiry, informed intellectual discourse and public debate within the University and in the wider society.

This policy applies to the expression of freedom of speech in University activities and/or operations including, but not limited to, online activities and/or operations.

This policy is made under the University of Melbourne Act 2009 and its operation is subject to applicable Commonwealth and Victorian laws, including the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (Vic). The policy should be read in conjunction with other relevant University policies.

4.1    The University supports the exercise of lawful freedom of speech. The University recognises that the advancement of knowledge and learning requires:

          (a)  university autonomy, academic freedom and freedom of speech to be core values of the University;

          (b)  an environment in which debate and criticism are a fundamental part of university life; and

          (c)  a commitment to orthodoxies being challenged and ideas subject to debate and criticism. 

4.2     As set out separately in the Academic Freedom of Expression Policy, the University preserves, defends and promotes academic freedom in the conduct of its affairs, so that all scholars of the University are free to engage in critical enquiry, scholarly endeavour and public discourse without fear or favour. 

4.3     The University recognises the right to protest as a manifestation of freedom of speech. 

4.4     The University expects that in public events and public discourse conducted by or associated with the University, participants will respect the need for reasoned argument, discourse and debate. 

4.5     The University does not support the exercise of freedom of speech when the exercise undermines the capacity of individuals to participate fully in the University, or jeopardises the physical safety of individuals, or unreasonably disrupts activities or operations of the University. 

4.6     When outside individuals or bodies seek to hire University facilities for events, the University will give consideration to the public interest and the objective of promoting critical and free enquiry, informed intellectual discourse and public debate.

5.1     This policy guides the interpretation and implementation of relevant University policies including, but not limited to:

          (a)  Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy (MPF1328)

          (b)  Student Conduct Policy (MPF1324)

          (c)  Property Policy (MPF1115)

          (d)  Provision and Acceptable Use of IT Policy (MPF1314)

          (e)  Academic Freedom of Expression Policy (MPF1224)

“academic freedom” means the same as in the Academic Freedom of Expression Policy. 

“associated with the University” includes, but is not limited to, University sponsorship, funding, support or branding of an event. An agreement or consent to hire of University property or facilities is not, on its own, sufficient for association. 

“scholar” for the purpose of this policy, has the same meaning as academic defined at Division 2 of The University of Melbourne Enterprise Agreement 2018. 

“University property” includes but is not limited to University:

• real property forming part of the University;
• precincts;
• campuses;
• buildings or discrete parts of buildings;
• building spaces such as lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries, classrooms and meeting rooms;
• landscape features within the University domain that may be defined by areas, locations, focal points, building forecourts, plazas, courtyards, lawns, gardens, trees, playing fields, walkways, streets, bridges, stairs and terraces.

Council

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Undergraduate)

This policy is to be reviewed by 19 June 2024.