Speech on campus: A look at freedom of expression at SOAS

Free speech is fundamental to any democratic society - and there are few places where this is tested, questioned and challenged more than on a university campus. 

New guidance was published by the Office for Students in June 2025 with the aim of supporting free speech at universities. SOAS welcomes this initiative to support freedom of expression, something that is foundational to universities if they are to fulfill their mission. 

Students, staff, the media, members of parliament and the public have all contributed at some stage to discussions about freedom of expression and what this means. In the last 19 months, following the terror attack in Israel on 7 October and the devastation and loss of life in Gaza, there have been renewed questions about freedom on university campuses and it is therefore important to reflect on this period. 

University communities around the world have raised their voices, joined calls for a ceasefire, and particularly in 2024 there were protests and encampments at universities in North America, Europe, Australia, Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait, India, Yemen, Argentina, and Japan. 

Some of those who campaigned also asked questions about the health of freedom of expression at universities when campus administrators responded to this global wave of student-led protest. 

In a world where there are increasing limits being placed on people’s right to speak, and with fewer political leaders guided by a belief in the principle of free expression for everyone - instead adopting a selective approach for political gain - the concerns of students and staff must be seriously engaged with. 

No platforming 

Given how the debate is sometimes framed, it might be imagined that ‘no platforming’ or the banning of events is one of the major threats to freedom of expression on campuses. Reviewing the approximately 900 events hosted at SOAS during the last 19 months, the ‘no platforming’ charge almost certainly misses the nuances of this discussion - none of our events were cancelled on the basis of the topic or the speaker, and some of the meetings were high profile events addressing the situation in Gaza. 

Practicalities of free expression 

Like many universities, we did sometimes face public calls to cancel specific events, such as when SOAS hosted the UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese in November 2024. It was reported at the time that some venues that were due to host Albanese were under pressure to cancel events in the face of campaigns. At SOAS we experienced protests both opposing and supporting Albanese's presence, and staff and the event organisers were able to ensure that the lecture went ahead without much disruption. 

This example is a reminder that freedom of expression is not just an abstract principle; it is something that has to be put into action and therefore involves practicalities, people, and resources. When an event that attracts strong and polarising views takes place, university staff carry out work not just to ensure the safe and secure running of the event itself, but it is also about managing the safety and security of those outside who are also there to assert their right to freedom of expression, though from a different perspective. 

Protest camps 

In May 2024, following a wave of protests in the US and then the UK, a Palestine solidarity camp was established by students at SOAS and we wrote to the protesters, as well as our students and staff, and published a public statement, to make clear that we would uphold their right to peaceful protest. 

Journalists who visited the camp commented on the open atmosphere on our campus, contrasting it with the experience elsewhere. From the perspective of staff who were trying to maintain this atmosphere, it was not without its challenges. We recall, for example, a situation in the early hours of one morning when a group of people came onto campus to allegedly threaten those staying at the camp, a situation that SOAS staff on campus quickly responded to. We documented our approach to the camp in a series of public statements. 

Free expression is overwhelmingly peaceful 

A further observation about this time, and it is testament to SOAS students, that of the hundreds of events, activities, vigils and protests that took place, activities were almost uniformly peaceful. We did, however, take disciplinary action in a handful of cases to address the conduct of individual students. 

This is something to think about in a reflection on freedom of expression, because it raises questions about how universities must not only take action based on clear principles, they must also effectively communicate and engage with students and staff about the actions it has taken to maintain trust. 

Upholding conduct 

In the period this article examines, a small number of incidents took place at SOAS that involved vandalism of the estate, an assault on a member of staff, staff sometimes being followed by people wearing masks, the disruption of exams, among other activities. We believe it is reasonable – indeed proper – that universities take action to manage such conduct. However, when we took action to address these behaviours, some interpreted this as taking action to limit freedom of expression or that it was inconsistent with our call for a ceasefire in 2023. 

While we do not agree with that interpretation, we understand that perception matters. This feedback has helped us realise we must be clearer and more consistent in how we communicate our values and actions in the way we engage with our students and staff. 

The past 19 months have therefore also been about renewing and strengthening our policies that govern freedom of expression. We have refreshed our approach to aspects of the way the university runs in response to the questions and proposals of our students and staff. For example, much work has been done to renew our ethical investments and banking policy in consultation with students and staff. And we commit to ongoing listening and engagement to ensure that SOAS continues to be shaped by its students, staff, alumni, and friends. 

Pluralism 

Stepping back, we believe there is much to celebrate about the health of freedom of expression on the SOAS campus, as well as further action to take to make it thrive. We want the university to be a place where not just opposing views can be heard, but also where a pluralism of views can come together to find common ground. 

As the new free speech legislation for universities comes into effect in August, we hope the whole SOAS community and those of you who visit our campus can come together to help us live out our values in a revitalised way.