Inclusive student life
The University of Oxford is a place where every student should be safe, welcomed and be able to thrive, whatever their background. We are committed to ensuring our University community is one in which the rights and dignity of all our students and staff are respected.
Freedom of speech is the life-blood of our University and we uphold the right of everyone openly to express their views and opinions, within the limits of the law.
We remain committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Harassment of any kind – whether based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic – has no place, and is not tolerated, at Oxford.
The University supports peaceful protest, in line with our commitment to freedom of speech. However, actions which cause substantial disruption to staff or student life or shut down debate, are not acceptable.
Your role and responsibilities as a student
There are simple steps that we can all take to make Oxford a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone. Here is some guidance for you as a student at Oxford:
1. Play your part in making Oxford an inclusive place
We all have a responsibility to contribute to Oxford’s inclusive culture and in supporting our shared commitments.
Oxford offers a wealth of opportunities to explore a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, and to learn from others – with societies, lectures, events and other activities taking place throughout the year.
There is an active community of staff and students working to make Oxford a more diverse place. Find out about the work we do across the University. Equality, diversity, and inclusion activities also take place within colleges and departments. Check with them to find out more.
You can also get involved with Oxford SU's representative work through engagement with Representative Committees (RepComs) and their Equity and Community Part-Time Officers. These forums are a vital component of how the SU amplifies the marginalised student voice.
2. Engage thoughtfully in debate
During your time at Oxford, you will encounter a variety of views, some of which you may find unsettling, extreme or offensive.
Free speech is the lifeblood of the University. It helps us approach truth and allows us to become better acquainted with the variety of beliefs, theories and opinions in the world. We never prevent speech that is lawful.
Being open to a range of viewpoints and engaging proactively in debate helps us to all learn and develop, and equips us with skills to discuss sensitive topics with robust civility.
We expect all students to be respectful, courteous, and considerate to other members of our community at all times, even when you personally disagree or find opinions challenging.
Talks and events take place across Oxford, including the Sheldonian Series, giving you a chance to learn from a variety of academic and other perspectives about a range of matters.
You can find out more about freedom of expression in the University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech, as well as your college’s own policies and procedures. Please review and become familiar with them.
Several colleges have also developed guidance on freedom of speech, which you may also wish to consider if you’re participating in or organising an event (in addition to ensuring you follow the section of the Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech about meetings and events.)
Debates can be particularly challenging when they relate to crises and conflicts. There are opportunities, through departments and colleges, to partner with charities and NGOs to support those impacted by global events. You can find out more about Oxford’s approach to global crises on the University website.
3. Know your rights in regard to protesting, and how to protest responsibly and in line with University rules
Peaceful protest is a legitimate expression of freedom of speech. However, protest must take place in ways that ensure we treat each other with respect, courtesy, and consideration.
Protest must not shut down debate or cause substantial disruption to University activities. Conduct which is disruptive, violent, causes damage, or risks the safety of others may have serious consequences, including disciplinary action, fines, or even suspension from the University. Behaviour that is unlawful also risks arrest by police and prosecution.
If you are arranging a protest, you must follow the University's procedures for meetings and events (set out in the Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech) and provide advance notice through the appropriate channels.
The University provides clear guidance on demonstrations and protests and you are encouraged to read it.
4. Understand harassment and how to report it
Harassment can be both physical and verbal, and it may occur both in person and online. Full details of how Oxford prevents and responds to harassment can be found on the University website.
If you have experienced harassment, we are here to support you. Speak to your local Harassment Advisor confidentially (who can offer impartial guidance on the options available to you formally and informally), or seek help and advice from individuals across the University.
Professional support is available from the University’s Counselling Service.
Colleges have their own policies, procedures, and sources of support and students are strongly encouraged to consult their college for further guidance and to familiarise themselves with college-specific approaches to harassment and sexual misconduct.
5. Know your responsibilities
Oxford will not tolerate any form of harassment, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, or hate directed towards any faith, race, nationality or ethnic group at the University.
You can read more about the University’s policies on harassment on this page Breaching the Equality and Harassment policies or University statutes can lead to disciplinary action – and harm the wellbeing of other members of the University.
You can read more about the University's policies on the University website. Breaching the University's Harassment Policy or statutes can lead to disciplinary action.
Learn about how the University understands antisemitism, drawing upon the working definition outlined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims and the Runnymede Trust provides helpful overviews of Islamophobia.
You should also be aware of and adhere to specific standards of conduct outlined in the Student Handbook, code of conduct, and student social media guidance.
6. Get support if you need it
We understand that University life can be challenging, and we encourage you to seek support if you need it.
There are various welfare services available to provide you with confidential and free support, as well as independent Oxford SU Advice.
Your college welfare team may also offer additional services and we recommend contacting them first. You can also approach your college tutor or college advisor for pastoral guidance. If you don’t have a college, your department should have a welfare contact.
Further sources of support can also be sought from outside of the University:
- The Community Security Trust (CST) has resources on its social channels, including guidance on antisemitism
- Tell Mama is a confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK.
The University and colleges work closely together in support of these aims. In addition to this University guidance, you should be aware of your college’s own policies, procedures and sources of support.
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