A recent survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) has revealed a complex and often contradictory set of attitudes among students towards free speech on university campuses. While 69% of students said universities should “never limit free speech”, a significant proportion also supported banning specific political parties from speaking on campus.
The survey found that 35% of students believe politicians from the Reform UK party should be barred from speaking at universities. This included 41% of those who said they voted for Reform UK in the 2024 general election. Similarly, 16% of all students wanted the Labour party to be banned from campus, including 23% of 2024 Labour voters.
Overall, just 18% of students supported the idea of all political parties being able to speak on campus, highlighting the nuanced and sometimes conflicting views held by students on free speech issues.
Nick Hillman, the director of Hepi, expressed shock at the opposition to Reform UK speakers, but noted that the results also showed support for the government’s efforts to promote free speech within universities.
“Today’s students are more definite in their views than their predecessors,” Hillman said. “Confusingly, however, they offer stronger support for the principle of free speech while also being even keener to see specific barriers against free expression.”
The findings come as the Office for Students, England’s higher education regulator, has been granted new powers to investigate complaints by speakers, students and staff over infringements of rights to free speech and expression.
While 71% of students said they supported laws requiring universities to promote free speech, significant numbers also supported scenarios that could potentially breach the law. For example, 64% agreed that “protection from discrimination and ensuring the dignity of minorities could be more important than unlimited freedom of expression”.
Vivienne Stern, the chief executive of Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors, said the organisation does not share the view that any legitimate political party should be barred from speaking on university campuses.
“The UK is a democracy and Universities UK does not support the idea that any legitimate political party should be barred from speaking on university campuses,” Stern said. “Universities have a responsibility to uphold free speech within the law.”
The survey’s findings highlight the complex and often contradictory attitudes held by students towards free speech, and the challenges faced by universities in navigating these issues while upholding their responsibilities to promote democratic values and protect the rights of all.
