July 5, 2024

UOW supports free speech

Safety, respect and inclusion a priority for campus

The University of Wollongong (UOW) upholds the principles of academic freedom and free speech, encourages open expression, free and respectful debate, and respects the right to peaceful protest. We strongly support free speech in our community but have no tolerance for any form of racism, vilification, hate speech, threatening speech, bullying, harassment or any form of discrimination.

We are committed to, and have a duty of care, to create an inclusive and safe University environment that promotes cultural safety through respectful behaviour. 

UOW has a range of policies that apply to activities on our campuses and in our communities, including the Campus Access and Order Rules, Student Code of Conduct, Anti-Racism and Cultural Safety Policy and our Workplace Health and Safety Policy.

Protest activity

Since May there has been some protest activity on campus, including two separate encampments. The University has kept open lines of respectful communication with protestors, impacted student groups, and other relevant stakeholders.  

The University welcomes the opportunity to engage in open expression and debate, but not at the expense of safety, respect and inclusion for all students, staff and visitors.

Research partnerships

UOW values its research partnerships and collaborations. We support the freedom of our researchers to partner collaboratively with industry to deliver benefits to our local communities, within the bounds of national legislation, foreign interference guidelines and the University's own ethical standards. 

We partner with many varied industries and with universities and commercial entities, in our communities, and across the world. Potential partnerships are evaluated at length, not only for alignment to the University’s strategic goals but also how they align with our values.  

We regularly review and continue to strengthen our research policies and practices to ensure clear and upfront consideration of any ethical issues or reputational risks, and undertake the appropriate level of ongoing monitoring, to ensure that all UOW’s research partnerships are in the best interests of the university and in line with community expectations. 

Further information can be found in our Defence capability statement and Advanced Manufacturing statement.