Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

Monash University values and protects freedom of speech and academic freedom. Monash holds these freedoms as fundamental to the nature of a university, and at Monash they are defining values.

Our commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom is embedded in our foundational legislation, the Monash University Act. The Act charges us with  ‘promoting critical and free enquiry, informed intellectual discourse and public debate within the University and in the wider society’, and by so doing, to serve the Victorian, Australian and international communities and the public interest.

Our research and engagement shape global dialogues, our students aspire to change the world, and our graduates contribute to the communities to which they belong. Monash takes seriously the obligation to provide an environment that enables our community to engage in critical and free enquiry by asking important questions - even if these questions are controversial - to share their findings, and to engage in informed intellectual discourse and public debate in pursuit of a better future.

Monash has developed an overarching policy on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom that gives effect to our commitment to uphold the principles of the Model Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom developed by former High Court Chief Justice, the Hon. Robert French AC. More importantly, the University is committed to ensuring that the Monash culture supports our staff and students in the exercise of these freedoms.