From 1 August 2025, new free speech laws come into effect at Unis and Students’ Unions across England including right here at Greenwich. And while we know “policy change” might sound dull... this one actually matters, especially if you care about speaking up, organising events, or hearing different views on campus.

So… what exactly is freedom of speech?

At its core, freedom of speech is your right to express your views, opinions, beliefs, or identity, even if others don’t agree.  At uni, that could look like:

• Hosting a talk or debate

• Sharing opinions online

• Challenging what’s said in lectures

• Protesting, campaigning, or raising awareness

• Organising events with bold or controversial topics

But it doesn’t mean anything goes. Freedom of speech doesn’t protect hate speech, threats, or harassment. There’s a line and the law draws it.

So, what’s changing from 1 August?

From this summer, a new ammendment to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 means GSU and universities must do more to protect lawful free speech on campus.

That includes:

1. Letting events and speakers go ahead even if their views are unpopular

2. Making space for different sides of a debate (including counter-protests)

3. Not blocking speakers just because someone disagrees with them

4. Giving you the right to raise a complaint if your free speech is unfairly limited

Why does this matter?

Because university isn’t just about lectures and deadlines, it’s also about exploring ideas, hearing different perspectives, and finding your voice. Whether you're challenging the status quo, raising awareness for something you care about, or just learning to listen to views that aren’t your own, freedom of speech is a big part of that experience.

It means you should feel confident speaking up, hosting debates, organising protests, or inviting speakers, even if the topics are bold or controversial. And yes, sometimes that also means hearing things you might strongly disagree with. But that’s part of growing, learning, and shaping the kind of community and future you want to be part of.

What’s GSU doing about it?

At GSU, we’re here to make sure you feel confident navigating these changes; whether you’re planning a protest, hosting an event, or just speaking your mind. We want all students to know their rights, understand what the new law protects, and feel empowered to speak up or challenge what they hear. Freedom of Speech training will now be included as part of student society inductions, so if you’re a society leader, you’ll be introduced to the key info from the start. And if you ever have questions or need help, your Society Coordinator is always here to support you. Most importantly, we’re committed to ensuring that while lawful speech is protected, hate, discrimination, and misinformation have no place on our campus.

“Freedom of Speech matters because uni is meant to be a place where you learn to hear different views, even the hard ones.”
 – Ishita Kapoor, Program Rep, Humanities & Social Sciences

Worried About These Changes? You’re Not Alone

We also know that conversations around free speech can feel difficult especially if you’re part of a community that’s often been on the receiving end of harmful language or discrimination. While this law protects lawful free speech, it does not protect harassment, hate, or abuse those things are still against the law, and they have no place on our campus.

If you ever feel unsafe or experience harassment, you can get support through Report and Support, it’s completely confidential. And if these changes leave you feeling anxious or unsure, especially as someone from a marginalised or protected group, please know you’re not alone. Our Liberation groups are here for you, and the Liberation Lounge is always open as a safe, welcoming space to just be, reflect, or speak to someone who gets it.

Got a question? Planning an event? Need support?
Reach out to us at insights@gre.ac.uk