(1) This Policy is effective from 17 December 2019. (2) This Policy is made under the following legislation: (3) The purpose of this Policy is to establish a framework that serves the Victorian, Australian and international communities and the public interest by promoting critical and free enquiry, informed intellectual discourse and respectful public debate within the University and wider society. (4) This Policy applies to the expression of freedom of lawful speech in University activities or operations. It applies to all members of the University including students, staff and associates, and non-members of the University and external visiting speakers to the University. (5) The University supports and encourages freedom of lawful speech, recognising its importance in providing higher education courses of an international standard and undertaking research of international standard. Freedom of speech is recognised as: (6) Freedom of speech does not include speech which: (7) Freedom of speech applies to individuals speaking in their private capacity. Scholars identifying an affiliation with the University may exercise their right to academic freedom subject to the responsibilities set out in the Academic Freedom policy. (8) The University recognises the right to freedom of assembly and association for individuals and groups to meet and to engage in peaceful protest. The right of freedom of assembly and association does not extend to shutting down of debate or infringing upon the rights of others in exercising their freedom of speech or academic freedom. (9) 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. (10) When outside individuals or bodies seek to use 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. (11) The University may determine the terms and conditions upon which an outside individual or body may speak on University premises or at University facilities. The University may distinguish between invited visiting speakers and external visiting speakers in framing such terms and conditions. (12) The University may refuse permission where the content of the outside individual or bodies’ speech is or is reasonably likely to: (13) Where multiple conflicting views exist in the lawful exercise of freedom of speech, the University’s duty to foster the wellbeing of students and staff will be used as a guiding principle in deciding on an organisational response. (14) There is no attendant procedure. (15) The University will review associated documents following promulgation in accordance with published review schedules for alignment with this Policy. (16) For the purpose of this Policy:Freedom of Speech policy
Section 1 - Preamble
Section 2 - Purpose
Section 3 - Scope
Section 4 - Policy
Section 5 - Procedure
Section 6 - Definitions
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