Oxford University launches new debate series to champion free speech

Oxford University is launching a new debate series to champion free speech. Vice-chancellor Prof Irene Tracey emphasised that freedom of expression is "the lifeblood" of the university, aiming to ensure that diverse thought could prevail.

The Sheldonian Series, set to begin in November, will feature debates on key global issues, with the first discussing democracy.

Speaking to staff and students at the University on Tuesday, Prof Tracey stressed the importance of "curiosity and challenge" in fostering an inclusive exchange of ideas.

The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about free speech, particularly after the government paused the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, which aimed to protect academics from being "no-platformed."

Prof Tracey collaborated with Julius Grower, an Oxford law professor who has been vocal in defending free speech.

Grower, alongside over 650 academics, signed an open letter urging the reinstatement of the free speech legislation. The letter, which was sent in August, said that “free speech duties on universities have long been neglected, despite being enshrined in law”.

He previously supported Prof Kathleen Stock's right to express her gender-critical views despite protests at Oxford.

Prof Tracey closed her speech by reaffirming the university's commitment to diverse perspectives, urging students to embrace differences and resist efforts to create "same-thinking tribes."

“Freedom of speech is the lifeblood of our university and we uphold the right for everyone to openly express their views and opinions with respect and courtesy, within the limits of the law.

“As a university, we must nurture and celebrate our differences, confident that those who try to divide us into same-looking and same-thinking tribes, whether by selfish design or accidental algorithm, will ultimately fail.

“Let us all dare to be different, to do things differently, and to bring forward the day that the world remembers the beauty of the kaleidoscope of humanity.”