Motion
- Motion title
- ance to Branches on Free Speech and Academic Freedom
- Session
- 2023-2024
- Meeting link
- Annual Congress
- Meeting date
- 29 May 2024
- Status
- Remitted
- Motion
- 12
- Motion text
Congress notes the outcome of a number of recent employment, and employment appeal tribunals. These have involved potential conflicts between academic freedom, free speech and standards of workplace conduct. As a result the rights and responsibilities of education staff are not clear, nor are the responsibilities of union branches in cases where there is a perceived conflict between academic freedom and contractual obligations.
Accordingly, Congress instructs the NEC to:
1. commission expert advice on the law with regard to academic freedom, equalities, and conduct in the workplace, including the implications of recent decisions;
2. draw up and issue legally sound guidance for use by branches in cases where questions of academic freedom or free speech are raised, with particular reference to a branch's obligation to support members, and to the boundary between free expression and potential misconduct;
3. incorporate this guidance into statements of relevant policy.
- Proposing body
- University of Bath
- Amended
- No
- Allocated to
- Education committee
- Notes
Administrative info
- Listing reference
- 2024/C/05-29/028/12