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<p>The government is deeply committed to protecting freedom of speech within the law.
The freedom to express views openly, challenge ideas and engage in robust debate is
crucial to the student experience and to democracy. Individuals should never be in
a position where they can be stopped from expressing an opinion perfectly lawfully.
Institutions are required to balance risks and legal obligations with a view to ensuring
freedom of speech wherever reasonably practicable.</p><p>The Joint Committee on Human
Rights held an inquiry into freedom of speech in universities earlier this year, which
looked in detail and collected evidence in relation to upholding freedom of speech
in universities. Drawing on information from the inquiry, which found the current
regulatory landscape protecting freedom of speech to be extremely complex, the Equality
and Human Rights Commission and key partners in the higher education sector have worked
with the Department of Education to develop a single piece of guidance, which will
set out key principles. This guidance will enable universities and student unions
to understand their obligations for protecting and supporting free speech.</p>
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