City, University of London has policies that set out clearly our commitment to freedom of speech and our response to harassment in all its forms. We are aware that many issues that can, and should, be freely discussed in the university are contentious, and in particular are considered highly sensitive by those states that do not subscribe to democratic values. Raising these issues or otherwise dissenting can be interpreted as hostile or threatening.
Broadly, political statements that we are free to make in the UK, and under UK law, might when made by a foreign citizen studying in the UK, have adverse repercussions for them and their family overseas. This has a potentially harmful effect on freedom of speech. On occasion foreign students may be asked to report on activities of their fellow students or on members of staff, or even to exert pressure - this may be subtle but could include direct threats - so as to dissuade them from open dissent. There are reported incidents of such pressure from across the higher education sector. These include actions undertaken by the governments of China, Russia, Iran, and others.
There is little that City can do to prevent this from happening. If however, it is reported, or becomes otherwise evident, that a student has acted in such a way as to cause reasonable fear of such adverse repercussions on the part of some other student or a member of staff, that is threats or similar, we will take rapid and strong disciplinary action that may include immediate suspension, exclusion or expulsion in accordance with our harassment policies. It is possible that this could eventually lead to revocation of the right to study in the UK.
Students who are asked by the agents of overseas governments to report on fellow students or members of staff should, where possible, refuse, citing the disciplinary position and sanctions set out in this policy statement. Otherwise, they should, by whatever means are available to them, avoid or evade informing on colleagues. They can report approaches in confidence to City, we may be able to support and advise.
We will do whatever we can to support victims.
This presidential statement is current from May 2023. We will be seeking further advice from the sector and will respond to regulatory guidance, if and when it becomes available.