Prevent and address harassment and sexual misconduct

To comply with their existing free speech obligations, providers must not take steps that interfere with or restrict lawful free speech, unless where it is proportionate to do so.

They need to 'have particular regard to, and place significant weight on' the importance of freedom of speech.

Providers should assume that none of the following are likely to amount to harassment:

• the content of higher education course materials, including books, videos, sound recordings, and pictures
• the statements or views expressed as part of teaching, research or discussions about the content of a higher education course.

As well as the regulatory requirements relating to harassment and sexual misconduct, new duties on freedom of speech also apply to universities and colleges from 1 August 2025.

Our freedom of speech webpages provide further information, including regulatory guidance to support providers meet these duties.