Academic Freedom Policy

The University of Newcastle has adopted a Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom, which explicitly protects the rights of staff, students and visiting speakers to undertake academic inquiry and engage in lawful expression. The Code safeguards the freedom of academic staff to teach, discuss, research, disseminate and publish the results of their work, and to contribute to public debate.

The current version of the Code took effect on 5 June 2024 and remained in force throughout 2025. Its next review is scheduled for 5 June 2027. It establishes the University’s commitments and responsibilities in protecting academic freedom and freedom of speech across teaching, research and University activities.

Academic freedom for all teaching and research staff

The Code grants academic freedom to every member of staff and every student, without distinguishing between junior and senior academic appointments. It protects academic staff at all career stages in both research and teaching, including the freedom to choose lines of inquiry, teach and discuss ideas, publish research findings and contribute to informed public debate.

The University’s Academic Staff and Teachers Enterprise Agreement 2023 reinforces these protections. Clause 7.3 recognises academic staff members’ rights to pursue critical inquiry and to discuss, teach, assess, develop curricula, publish and research, subject to professional standards and employment obligations.

How the Code protects academic expression

Lawful speech, debate and freedom from adverse action

Staff and students have freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest on University land or in connection with University activities, subject to applicable law, the rights of others and reasonable, proportionate requirements for teaching, research, safety and wellbeing. Lawful speech or protest meeting the Code’s conditions must not attract penalties or other adverse action solely because of its content. Similarly, the proper exercise of academic freedom must not be treated as misconduct or penalised.

Research independence and external partnerships

The University takes reasonable steps to minimise restrictions on academic freedom and freedom of speech that may arise through third-party research collaborations, affiliations, contracts or donations. Its protection of academic inquiry supports the ability of researchers to pursue questions, share findings and engage in professional and representative bodies.

Visiting speakers and academic course content

The Code sets out how invited and external visiting speakers may use University facilities, including proportionate requirements concerning legal obligations, safety, scholarly standards and wellbeing. Permission is not refused solely because of the content of lawful proposed speech. The University also protects academic judgement in choosing course content: material is not excluded merely because students might find it offensive or shocking, while reasonable steps are taken to inform prospective students about course content.

Embedding academic freedom in 2025 learning

The University’s commitment was reflected in 2025 teaching materials. The Semester 2 LING2501 Cross-cultural Communication course outline and the Semester 2 HIST2006 Australian Underworlds course outline expressly refer to the Code and the value of open, respectful debate, including when course material examines difficult or potentially challenging subjects. These examples show how the policy’s principles are communicated in teaching practice.

By protecting inquiry and expression across academic roles, the University supports rigorous scholarship, independent research and informed discussion. Its published Code provides a consistent foundation for academic freedom in teaching, research and engagement with the wider community.